With all due respect, isn't it necessary when playing statistics to analyze
all aspects of a given category? It is inaccurate for you to say that
social engineering accounts for the majority of compromises if you have no
other data to compare the social engineering numbers to. That's like saying
that everyone drives a Ford, based upon the surveys you conducted with
people that only drives Fords.
When trying to statistically summarize a subject like "hacking", you have to
address the technical aspect because, really, that is the biggest part.
Social engineering only gives you an opportunity to [possibly] get sensitive
information. What you do with that sensitive information is the real
"hacking".
Isaac Van Name
-----Original Message-----
From: Marios A. Spinthiras [mailto:mario@netway.com.cy]
Sent: Wednesday, August 23, 2006 1:40 AM
To: "arian dotevansanachronic.com"@securityfocus.com ();
pen-test@securityfocus.com
Subject: Re: Penetration Testing - Human Factor
Arian how have you concluded that no evidence has been gathered? Indeed you
have a point but thats only towards the technical aspect of it all.
Reading onwards to social engineering really shows the human vulnerability
and the fact that we cant filter it all out , patch it. We can simply do
nothing more than an advisory does...
I do not know how serious you consider social engineering to be but if you
have not spent time with it please do so , I can offer you a lot of material
regarding this issue. Contact me personally if you would like the material.
Thanks,
Mario A. Spinthiras
----- Original Message -----
From: "Arian J. Evans" <arian.evans@anachronic.com>
To: <pen-test@securityfocus.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2006 7:46 AM
Subject: RE: Penetration Testing - Human Factor
I've seen nothing quantifiable.
FWIW - every forensic engagement I have done of "true"
hacking has had nothing to do with social engineering,
and was entirely technical. Most appeared to be performed
by SKiddies, but at least one was very subtle, and was
performed by someone with real skill.
I do see a biased sample though, since people do not
generally come to me after they've been socially
engineered, unless it's a girl I've dated.
Your first statement does raise the question though
about how does a skeptic conclude something before
they gather evidence?
Arian J. Evans
-----Original Message-----
From: Marios A. Spinthiras [mailto:mario@netway.com.cy]
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2006 1:20 AM
To: pen-test@securityfocus.com
Subject: Penetration Testing - Human Factor
As a thorough sceptic Id like to conclude in most cases of a
TRUE hacking
incident social engineering has been a factor of success for
the malicious
user attacking a system.
For quite a while now I have been compiling methodology on the
assessment of the weak human security link which can be
exploited through
social engineering. Has anyone got any thoughts they would
like to share or
guidelines to the audit of the human factor when security is
concerned?
Any information is much apreciated.
Many Thanks,
Mario A. Spinthiras
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