social engineering

n.
The practical application of sociological principles to particular social problems.

social engineer social engineer n.

Using deception to obtain confidential information from someone by phone or in person. For example, the "social engineer" may persuade someone to reveal an ID or password for a supposed benign purpose (my computer is down, can I use yours in the meantime). Sometimes, a combination of social engineering and hacker skills are used to steal information. However, no matter how secure a network may be, the "con" played by the social engineer is often the most effective way to break in.

Outside the computer world, social engineering means to influence attitudes and behaviors. See pretexting and shoulder surfing.

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