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Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Hacking humans: social engineering and the power of influence
Hacking humans: social engineering and the power of influence
Hacking humans: social engineering and the power of influence
Saturday 31st July 2021
Explore how Chris Hadnagy uses psychology and charm to test security systems. Discover what makes people vulnerable to influence.
29 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Engaging
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Authentic
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
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Get the buttons here!The Art of Influence: Chris Hadnagy's Social Engineering Secrets
Episode Overview
- Understanding influence can protect against manipulation.
- Reciprocity is a powerful tool in social interactions.
- Personality traits affect vulnerability to social engineering.
- Ethical use of social engineering is crucial.
- Pause and evaluate when emotions are high.
If somebody gives you a compliment, you usually compliment them back.
What drives someone to master the art of influence without resorting to force? This episode of All In The Mind takes you on a fascinating journey into the mind of Chris Hadnagy, a social engineer who uses psychology and charm to test security systems. Chris isn't your typical bank-breaker; he doesn't seek riches but rather exploits in systems and people. His toolbox? A smile and a keen understanding of human behaviour.
From slipping past armed guards to persuading a chef into hiring him with zero credentials, Chris's stories are both riveting and revealing. The episode dives into the psychology of influence, exploring how personality traits like openness and extroversion might make some more susceptible to social engineering. With insights from experts like Edwin Fraunstein, listeners learn about the Big Five personality traits and how they can impact vulnerability to hacking attempts.
Chris's anecdotes showcase the power of reciprocity and oxytocin, the trust hormone, which plays a pivotal role in human interactions. He shares how small gestures can open doors, literally and figuratively, in the world of social engineering. But beware, these techniques aren't just used in physical spaces; they extend to the digital realm, exploiting emotions and cognitive shortcuts. While the tactics might sound like something out of a spy novel, Chris emphasises the importance of ethical practice in his industry.
He draws a clear line between using these skills for good communication versus manipulation. So, how do you protect yourself from being 'hacked'? Take a pause when emotions run high, and critically evaluate requests. Intrigued by the power of influence and the subtle art of persuasion? Dive into this episode to learn how everyday interactions can be shaped by psychology. How might understanding these techniques change the way you view social interactions?