GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

Pretexting is a social engineering technique where an individual fabricates a scenario in order to obtain information from a target by pretending to be someone else, typically over email or phone. This method exploits the trust and assumptions of the target by assuming a false identity. The goal is to manipulate the target into divulging personal information, which can then be used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The other options do not accurately define pretexting: the first refers to metadata, which is unrelated to the act of impersonation, while the third option implies that there is no valid definition among the choices. The fourth option suggests a level of deception that misrepresents the nature of pretexting, as it is more about creating a fabricated identity rather than just impersonating someone outright. Hence, the correct definition accurately encompasses the core idea of pretexting as a deceitful act aimed at gathering information under false pretenses.