Manipulation is one of the hallmarks of social engineering. A social engineer is able to bring a target under his or her control. We will be able to defend ourselves more effectively against attacks if we understand the signs and methods of manipulation. Manipulation ranges from total brainwash to subtle hints to make a target make a certain decision. Manipulation overcomes a target's critique and free thought ability. With these out of the way, a social engineer can feed a target external ideas and reasoning and make them feel like it is their (the target's) own. Manipulation is used in the following six ways:
- To increase the predictability of the target
- To control the target's actions and environment
- To destabilize the target with doubt
- To make the target feel powerless
- To bring about certain emotions to the target
- To intimidate the target
Manipulation...