3RD AUG 2024
One day as you’re minding your own business, you’re contacted by a tech support person. They claim there is a critical issue with your computer and offer to resolve it. To “fix” the problem, they request remote access to your system or ask for personal information, such as login credentials or credit card details.
And then they entice you. The attacker promises improved security or a quick fix in exchange for this sensitive information. Once the information is obtained, the attackers use it to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or install malware on the victim's device.
If you find this odd, then you’re right. This is an example of a quid pro quo attack.
What exactly is the quid pro quo attack in cybersecurity, and how can you protect yourself against it?
We’ll break down the concept of quid pro quo attacks, how they work, and how you can stay safe against successful quid pro quo attack attempts.
A quid pro quo attack is a form of social engineering where the attacker promises something in return for sensitive information or access. Essentially, it’s a “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” scenario. The attacker offers a benefit or service in exchange for information that compromises security.
The term "quid pro quo" is Latin for "something for something." In the context of cyber attacks, it means the attacker offers a favor, service, or benefit to get something valuable from the victim—usually sensitive information or access to a system. Unlike other social engineering tactics, a quid pro quo attack involves a direct exchange, making it a bit more straightforward but just as dangerous.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how a quid pro quo attack typically unfolds:
Quid pro quo attacks can come in various forms:
Technical Support Scams: An attacker calls claiming to be from technical support and offers help in exchange for login credentials.
Prize or Giveaway Scams: The attacker promises a prize or giveaway but needs personal information to process the “award.”
Business Offers: An attacker might offer a business deal or contract, requiring sensitive business information in return.
Recognizing a quid pro quo attack can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some signs to watch out for:
Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unexpected offers or promises, especially if they require personal or sensitive information.
Urgency and Pressure: Attackers often create a sense of urgency or pressure to force a quick decision.
Unverifiable Contacts: If you receive a request from an unknown or unverifiable source, proceed with caution.
For employees, here are a few tips to protect yourself from quid pro quo attacks:
Verify the Source: Always verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information. Contact the organization directly using known contact information.
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Treat unsolicited offers or requests with suspicion, especially if they seem too good to be true.
Educate Yourself and Others: Awareness is key. Educate yourself and your team about common social engineering tactics and best practices for cybersecurity.
For organizations, here are some mitigation strategies they need to have in place to protect against quid pro quo attacks:
It's crucial for employees to receive consistent and clear guidance from the top levels of their organization. Quid pro quo attacks often target individuals, and if employees are unsure about protocols or receive unclear messaging from their superiors, they may be more vulnerable to these schemes. Ensuring everyone understands the company's security policies is key to preventing these attacks.
The shift to remote work has increased the potential for scams, as it’s easier for attackers to deceive employees when interactions are conducted virtually. When most communication with IT or other departments happens via email, Slack, or phone, it may not raise red flags if a fraudster poses as a company representative. Remote workers should be particularly vigilant about verifying the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information.
Employees should have a straightforward way to verify the identity of their IT team. This includes having easy access to the names, faces, emails, phone numbers, and ID numbers of IT personnel. If someone contacts an employee claiming to be from IT, they should be required to provide specific identifying information. Additionally, businesses might consider requiring that all IT-related communications be conducted in person or through video conferencing, allowing employees to confirm the identity of the IT staff.
Companies should have clear IT security protocols that are communicated during employee onboarding and regular briefings. These protocols might include rules such as never sharing login credentials and understanding that IT staff will never contact employees without prior notice. Emphasizing that all IT queries should be initiated by the employee can also reduce the risk of falling for a quid pro quo attack.
Understanding and recognizing quid pro quo attacks is essential for safeguarding your personal and professional information. However, bolstering your security posture with a highly engaging security awareness training program can help form the crucial habits needed to prevent cyber threats from having their way.
