Appeal to Authority is a logical fallacy where an argument is deemed valid or accepted as true solely because it comes from an authority figure or expert, without sufficient evidence or logical reasoning.
Phishing + Authority
In phishing, we often impersonate trusted authorities or experts to manipulate victims into taking actions like clicking links or sharing sensitive information.
Appeal to Authority Examples
Example#1: Medical Scam
In this phishing scenario, we send an email claiming to be a renowned medical expert. The email states that a new miracle cure for a common ailment is available and can only be purchased through a provided link. Victims, swayed by the authority of the expert, may click the link and fall victim to a scam.
Example#2: <title>
In this case, a we pose as a technical support specialist from a well-known tech company. The attacker contacts potential victims, claiming that their computer is infected with a virus. They assert their authority to resolve the issue remotely and gain access to the victim’s computer or sensitive data.
Additional Resources
- https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/10/how-recognize-fake-geek-squad-renewal-scam