Which action is an example of social engineering?

Which action is an example of social engineering?

• A. Pretending to be someone else to obtain information
• B. Writing code to improve efficiency
• C. Running a virus scan
• D. Backing up data

Answer: (A)

Social engineering relies on manipulating people rather than breaking into systems. Pretending to be someone else to obtain information is a classic example because it uses deception and impersonation to trick you into revealing credentials or sensitive data. This leverages human trust and authority, not technical flaws, which is what makes it different from actions like writing code to improve efficiency, running a virus scan, or backing up data—those are technical or operational activities, not tricks aimed at people.

Social engineering relies on manipulating people rather than breaking into systems. Pretending to be someone else to obtain information is a classic example because it uses deception and impersonation to trick you into revealing credentials or sensitive data. This leverages human trust and authority, not technical flaws, which is what makes it different from actions like writing code to improve efficiency, running a virus scan, or backing up data—those are technical or operational activities, not tricks aimed at people.