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Security Operations · Foundational

Quid Pro Quo

A social engineering attack that offers a service or benefit in exchange for information or access.

Definition

The attacker promises something of value, such as free technical support, gifts or survey rewards, in return for credentials or actions. A common form is calling employees offering IT help and asking them to disable security software. It differs from baiting, which offers an object.

Example

A caller offers to fix slow computers for free if users install a remote support tool.

Exam tip

Quid pro quo = exchange of a service; baiting = lure with an item.

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