Cyber security · Interactive scenario
The Pretext Lab
Your phone rings. It's "IT support," and there's a problem that needs fixing right now. This is a vishing call — social engineering by voice — and it works by pulling psychological levers, not by hacking anything. As the caller talks, we'll name the lever they're using in real time. Your job: get through the call without handing over the keys.
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"Mike from IT Support"+1 (415) 555‑0142 · unknown
how much they've got
The influence levers (Cialdini, weaponized)
- Authority — "I'm from IT / your bank / the government." We defer to perceived authority.
- Urgency & scarcity — "Right now or your account locks." Pressure kills careful thinking.
- Social proof — "Everyone on your team has already done this." We follow the herd.
- Reciprocity & liking — "I'm just trying to help you out here." A small favour earns compliance.
- The universal defense: slow down and verify through a channel you chose — hang up and call the real number.