Julia used which principle of social engineering when she posed as an IT technician and obtained credentials?

Julia used which principle of social engineering when she posed as an IT technician and obtained credentials?

• A. Social Validation
• B. Friendship/Liking
• C. Reciprocation
• D. Scarcity

Answer: (C)

Reciprocation is the social engineering principle at play here: people tend to repay a favor or kindness. By posing as an IT technician and offering help, Julia creates a perceived benefit for the target. That sense of having received assistance makes the target feel obliged to return the favor, which in this context can mean sharing credentials or granting access. The tactic hinges on that subtle sense of indebtedness rather than on popularity (social validation), rapport (friendship/liking), or scarcity.

Reciprocation is the social engineering principle at play here: people tend to repay a favor or kindness. By posing as an IT technician and offering help, Julia creates a perceived benefit for the target. That sense of having received assistance makes the target feel obliged to return the favor, which in this context can mean sharing credentials or granting access. The tactic hinges on that subtle sense of indebtedness rather than on popularity (social validation), rapport (friendship/liking), or scarcity.