AQA · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: 8525 · Version from Sept 2020
Blagging is the act of creating and using an invented scenario to engage a…
Full specification wording
Social engineering: Blagging is the act of creating and using an invented scenario to engage a targeted victim in a manner that increases the chance the victim will divulge information or perform actions that would be unlikely in ordinary circumstances.
Blagging is a social engineering technique in which the attacker invents a believable scenario and presents it to a chosen victim.
Checked against the AQA 8525 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 10
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Blagging is a social engineering technique in which the attacker invents a believable scenario and presents it to a chosen victim. The invented story is designed to make the victim feel it is normal to share information or act, so they do something they would not do in ordinary circumstances. For example, a caller may claim to be a contractor needing a password to finish urgent maintenance. The key features are the fabricated scenario, the targeted victim and the deliberate aim of lowering the victim's guard so confidential information is divulged or an unusual action is performed. Recognising the invented pretext is the basis for resisting it.
What earns the marks
- Defines blagging as creating and using an invented scenario to engage a targeted victim.
- Explains that the invented scenario increases the chance the victim will divulge information or perform unusual actions.
- Distinguishes blagging from ordinary deception by emphasising the fabricated pretext aimed at a specific target.
- Applies the definition to a realistic example, such as an impersonated contractor or official requesting access.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing blagging with phishing generally.
Put it right: Blagging centres on an invented scenario or pretext used to engage a specific victim.
Describing it as a technical exploit.
Put it right: It manipulates the person through a fabricated story.
Omitting the purpose; correction: the invented scenario aims to make the victim divulge information or act unusually.
Exam tips
- Use the words invented scenario and targeted victim in your answer.
- Explain why the victim is more likely to comply under the fabricated pretext.
- Give a short example to demonstrate the technique in practice.
Try the lesson
The start of the Social engineering: Blagging is the act of creating and using an invented scenario to engage a targeted victim in a manner that increases the chance the victim will divulge information or perform actions that would be unlikely in ordinary circumstances. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A caller telephones an office worker, pretends to be from the IT support team and invents a story about a failed server update so that the worker reveals a password. Which social engineering technique is being used?
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