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Attack Patterns CAPEC-413 — Pretexting via Tech Support
CAPEC-413

Pretexting via Tech Support

TLP:CLEAR

Description

Typical severity: Low. An adversary engages in pretexting behavior, assuming the role of a tech support worker, to solicit information from target persons, or manipulate the target into performing an action that serves the adversary's interests. An adversary who uses social engineering to impersonate a tech support worker can have devastating effects on a network. This is an effective attack vector, because it can give an adversary physical access to network computers. It only takes a matter of seconds for someone to compromise a computer with physical access. One of the best technological tools at the disposal of a social engineer, posing as a technical support person, is a USB thumb drive. These are small, easy to conceal, and can be loaded with different payloads depending on what task needs to be done. However, this form of attack does not require physical access as it can also be effectively carried out via phone or email.

Details

Platforms
Social-engineering
Social-engineering
Added
Jul 14, 2026
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