What is a baiting attack in social engineering tactics?

Baiting attacks are among the most insidious forms of social engineering. Unlike brute-force attacks, which rely on software loopholes or computational power, baiting attacks exploit natural human curiosity and instincts.

Baiting attacks promise exclusive deals, free content, or urgent attachments to entice humans (often the weak links in cybersecurity) to take actions that could unknowingly harm them and their organizations.

What is a baiting attack, though? And how can you recognize and prevent them from gaining access to your systems?

Below, we’ll explain baiting attacks and how they work, provide examples, and offer actionable tips to protect your business.

What is a baiting attack?

A baiting attack is a social engineering tactic in which the attacker makes a false promise to exploit a victim’s curiosity, greed, or desires.

The bait typically takes the form of something the potential victim finds irresistible, such as the promise of free software, exclusive content, or a straightforward solution to a problem they’ve been facing. The catch? To access the promised bait, the victim must perform an action that compromises their security, such as:

• Downloading a malicious file
• Providing sensitive information
• Following a link that leads to a harmful website

The consequences of baiting attacks don’t just manifest during the initial security compromise—they can show themselves much later. Once the bait is taken, attackers can access sensitive information, install ransomware, or create backdoors for future attacks.

How do baiting social engineering attacks work?

Baiting attacks can take many forms, but most follow a basic blueprint design to exploit human nature. Once you understand the mechanics of these attacks, you can better prepare your organization to prevent and protect against them.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how baiting social engineering attacks typically happen:

1. The preparation

The attacker begins by identifying a target or group of targets and then crafts a lure based on what will likely appeal to the potential victims. This could involve researching the target audience’s interests, habits, or needs to make the bait as enticing as possible.

The bait might be disguised as free software, a critical update, exclusive content, or even a financial reward.

2. The bait

Once the lure is prepared, the attacker deploys it through a channel likely to reach the target. Digital baiting might involve:

• Sending emails with malicious attachments or links
• Creating fake websites that offer the promised goods
• Leveraging social media platforms

Physical baiting could include leaving infected USB drives in strategic locations. The key here is that the bait must be accessible and attractive to the victim.

3. The trap

The trap is sprung when the victim takes the bait—by downloading and opening a file, clicking on a link, or inserting and accessing a USB drive. This action typically triggers the installation of malicious software on the victim’s device or directs the victim to a compromised website designed to steal information or further infect the system.

4. The payload

The ultimate goal of a baiting attack is to deliver a payload, which varies depending on the attacker’s objectives. The payload might be malware that allows the attacker to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s system, ransomware that encrypts the victim’s files and demands payment for their release, or a spyware program that collects and transmits sensitive information back to the attacker.

5. The aftermath

Once the payload is delivered, the attacker can execute their intended action (which might include stealing sensitive data, compromising network systems, or demanding ransom). The victim may remain unaware of the breach until significant damage has occurred.

Examples of baiting social engineering attacks

Baiting attacks often go unreported in specific detail to avoid publicizing security vulnerabilities or because they are part of broader cyber incidents. However, here are some classic examples of baiting attacks that illustrate just how diverse and cunning they can be:

1. USB drop attacks: Attackers leave malware-infected USB drives in locations where potential victims are likely to find them, such as parking lots of targeted companies. Employees, driven by curiosity or the intention to find the owner, plug the USBs into their computers, inadvertently installing malware that provides attackers access to the company’s network.
2. Phishing emails offering free software: Cybercriminals often send emails claiming to offer free software or software updates. For instance, once clicked, an email promising a free version of a popular software or an essential security update leads to malware being downloaded onto the user’s device.
3. Fake job postings: Attackers have been known to create enticing job offers or career opportunities that are posted on legitimate job search sites or sent directly via email. When individuals apply for these positions, they’re asked to download application forms or click on links that lead to malware installations.
4. Free movie or music downloads: Individuals receive emails or stumble upon websites offering free downloads of movies, music, or software that would typically require payment. The bait results in malware being installed on their devices, leading to data theft or ransomware attacks.
5. USB charging stations at public events: Attackers set up malicious charging stations or leave infected charging cables that automatically install malware on the connected device. This physical baiting attack preys on the modern necessity to keep devices charged.
6. Pretexting via software trial extensions: Companies receive official-looking emails offering an unexpected extension of a trial period for software they currently use. The email contains a link to activate the extension, but instead of extending the software trial, it installs spyware that collects sensitive corporate data.

Tips to safeguard your company against baiting attacks

While baiting attacks can be cunning and devious, you aren’t completely at the whim of attackers. With the proper training and proactive security measures, you can protect your business and prevent baiting attacks:

Authenticate your emails

Bad actors can easily impersonate your business without the proper email security protocols (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC). Email authentication ensures that only verified communications (that actually come from you) reach your employees’ inboxes.

Educate and train employees

Since employees are the primary target behind baiting attacks, they should be your primary concern. Conduct ongoing training sessions to educate employees about various social engineering attacks, including baiting. Use real-life examples to illustrate how these attacks occur and the consequences they can have.

Implement simulated baiting and phishing attacks to test employee awareness and response. Feedback from these simulations can be used to reinforce learning and improve defenses.

Implement robust security policies

Enforce strict policies regarding the use of external devices on company networks. Limit USBs and other external media to those provided by the company, and scan all devices for malware before use.

Establish a policy that only allows software downloads and updates from verified sources. Ensure that all software updates are managed through a centralized IT department.

Ensure that all company devices are protected with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software capable of detecting and blocking malicious downloads. Implement advanced web and email filtering solutions to detect and block access to malicious websites and to screen incoming emails for potential threats.

Promote a culture of security awareness

Quick reporting can significantly reduce the potential impact of an attack. Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activities or potential baiting attempts. Recognize and reward employees who demonstrate a strong commitment to security practices, such as identifying phishing attempts or adhering to company policies regarding software updates.

Plan and prepare for incidents

Regardless of your security protocols or training, incidents will happen. It’s a matter of when—not if.

Have a clear plan for responding to security incidents, including baiting attacks. This plan should include containment, eradication, and recovery steps, as well as communication strategies for internal and external stakeholders.

Prevent baiting attacks with Valimail

Protection against baiting attacks starts with awareness, but safeguarding your brand requires more than know-how and caution—you need robust, reliable solutions that preemptively neutralize threats before they reach their intended targets.