Deception in the digital age: exploiting and defending human targets through computer-mediated communications

摘要

We are living in a very digitally connected world. An unwanted consequence is that each one of us who uses a computer, smartphone, tablet, or even smart TV could be targeted by individuals or groups who want to influence our beliefs and behaviors or gain access to our data, money, or Internet-controlled devices. For this purpose, attackers appeal to sophisticated cyber deception techniques, exploiting our psychological stereotypes and social weaknesses. Therefore, the introductory part of the book addresses the psychological background of social influence in general and focuses on social manipulation practices. The misdirecting techniques used by illusionists, the psychological principles of social persuasion, and cognitive process models and their involvement in the design of the Internet's manipulative schemes, such as hoax viruses, scareware, and ransomware, are described.