When a stranger shows up to your place of business, don’t take it at face value they are who they claim to be.

The Attack

By exploiting people’s trust, manners, and our social nature to be helpful, impersonation is an effective way to gain physical access to somewhere otherwise off-limits.

The attacker will seem genuine, probably because they’ve prepared by collecting information about your organization.

They will look the part, and it will make sense what are they asking for

Example: “Oh you’re wearing a tool belt and construction vest, it seems logical you’d like access to our mechanical room, okay I’ll take you there.”

Like when Michele posed as a singing telegram.

She donned a set of medical scrubs, got some grocery store chocolates and balloons and showed up at the target’s business.

“No, I’m not on today’s appointment list, I’m a singing telegram sent by a secret admirer of Mr. Jones.”

Then better yet, “No I don’t have my ID on me, but look, my name is written on my stethoscope.”

Michele says the security guards did the right thing by escorting her up to see Mr. Jones. In she went and sang her heart out. Everyone loved it, so they forgot about her because she was then left alone to roam the building.

Which Impersonations Work Best, Michele?

– pest control, because no one wants to deal with bugs

– play to stereotypes and expectations – she’s a woman so must be the underling, and her male counterpart the boss

– a woman lowers people’s guard, take advantage of a gender bias

– exploit the automatic response to authority. Example: wear a safety vest and hard hat to direct traffic, without having to offer an explanation

The Defence

– ask lots of questions

– ask to see ID

– stop the stranger and ask a non-yes/no question like, “what can I help you find?”

– never leave a guest unattended

– don’t feel shy to be a stickler

This has been Part 2/3 in a series with Michele Fincher, Chief Influencing Agent at Social Engineer, Inc., a premier consulting and training company which specializes in the art and science of social engineering (SE.)

Meet Michele here.

Blog tag = Social Engineering (25)