IronSights

Threats & attacks

Pretexting

A social engineering technique where an attacker fabricates a believable scenario or identity to manipulate a target into providing information, access, or performing an action.

In plain English

Pretexting is the art of constructing a convincing false story. An attacker might pose as an IT helpdesk worker needing your password to fix an urgent issue, a new supplier requesting updated payment details, or a government official conducting an audit. The scenario is designed to make the request seem legitimate and time-sensitive.

Keep learning

More terms in the IronSights Glossary.