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AQA · GCSE · Computer Science · Higher

Blagging and phishing characteristics

Q16.0 4 marks

Blagging and phishing are social engineering techniques.

Describe blagging and phishing.

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Marking points

  1. 1 For more than 2 marks, describes both blagging and phishing.
  2. 2 Persuading disclosure/payment is a credited common feature.
  3. 3 Resulting theft or unauthorised access is credited.
  4. 4 A convincing invented story is credited.
  5. 5 Targeting an individual distinguishes blagging.
  6. 6 Email/text/social media delivery is a credited phishing feature.
  7. 7 Disguise as a reputable source is a credited phishing feature.
  8. 8 Large-group targeting is a credited phishing feature.
  9. 9 A fake-site link is a credited phishing feature.

Full-mark answer

Blagging targets an individual with a convincing made-up story to persuade them to reveal sensitive information or make a payment. Phishing sends messages to many people, often disguised as a reputable organisation and containing a link to a fake website, hoping some recipients reveal sensitive information.

Why this answer loses marks

Both techniques try to obtain sensitive information.

That gives the shared aim but not the convincing deception or the distinction between individual blagging and broad phishing messages.