Which technique is a form of human-based social engineering?

Which technique is a form of human-based social engineering?

• A. Pop-up Windows
• B. Eavesdropping
• C. Phishing
• D. Instant Chat Messenger

Answer: (B)

The technique hinges on exploiting people and human interactions rather than technical flaws. Eavesdropping involves secretly listening to conversations to obtain sensitive information like passwords or security details. This relies on human behavior—trust, privacy expectations, and what people say aloud—making it a form of social engineering that targets the human element. By overhearing passwords or confidential details, the attacker can gain access without breaking any system, simply through what people disclose or discuss in the open. The other options revolve more around manipulating users through interfaces or channels (pop-up deception, phishing) or using a communication medium (instant chat). While those can enable social engineering, they are not the act of gathering information by exploiting overheard conversations in the same direct human element sense.

The technique hinges on exploiting people and human interactions rather than technical flaws. Eavesdropping involves secretly listening to conversations to obtain sensitive information like passwords or security details. This relies on human behavior—trust, privacy expectations, and what people say aloud—making it a form of social engineering that targets the human element. By overhearing passwords or confidential details, the attacker can gain access without breaking any system, simply through what people disclose or discuss in the open.

The other options revolve more around manipulating users through interfaces or channels (pop-up deception, phishing) or using a communication medium (instant chat). While those can enable social engineering, they are not the act of gathering information by exploiting overheard conversations in the same direct human element sense.