What does "pretexting" involve?

Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario to steal personal information. This social engineering technique is commonly used by attackers who impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to manipulate targets into divulging sensitive information. By establishing trust through a false narrative, the attacker can extract details like passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data from unsuspecting victims.

It often requires careful planning and an understanding of the target's environment, making it a sophisticated form of deception. This is particularly relevant for individuals and organizations concerned about data security, as attacks can have significant implications if personal information is compromised.

The other options focus on cybersecurity infrastructure and software development rather than the psychological tactics used in pretexting. For instance, creating a secure network and implementing firewalls are proactive measures aligning with defensive strategies, while developing software pertains to the technological side rather than interpersonal manipulation tactics.