Definition
A quid pro quo attack is a social engineering attack where the attacker offers favors to the victim in exchange for sensitive data or access. The Latin phrase ‘quid pro quo’ means ‘something for something.’
How a Quid Pro Quo Attack Works
When initiating a quid pro quo attack, the attacker gives the victim some benefit. This benefit can be a service, like removing potential malware from the victim’s device.
However, the victim must do something to receive the benefit, like send the attacker their login credentials.
Some quid pro quo attacks might seem harmless. For example, the attacker may only ask for an email address or phone number, which they can use for future malicious campaigns, like phishing.
Quid Pro Quo Attack Prevention
The best way to avoid quid pro quo attacks is to be aware of this tactic and not share your personal information with random strangers.
Recognizing Quid Pro Quo Attacks
- Unsolicited offers or requests: The easiest way to recognize a quid pro attack is the unsolicited offer or request. For example, you can get a job offer you didn’t apply for or get contacted by tech support out of the blue.
- High-pressure tactics: Quid pro quo attackers often create a sense of urgency, prompting you to act quickly without thoroughly considering the situation.
- Requests for personal information: Watch for unusual demands for sensitive data, like your social security number or bank details, as legitimate exchanges rarely require this upfront.
- Unclear or unrealistic promises: Be skeptical of unrealistic offers (like miracle cures or get-rich-quick schemes) as they’re often a trap to deceive you into providing your information.
- Suspicious payment requests: Be cautious with unexplained or unspecified payments and ensure all transactions are transparent or previously authorized.
Quid Pro Quo vs. Baiting Attacks
Quid pro quo and baiting attacks are social engineering tactics with different approaches. The most significant difference is in the exchange for something.
For example, the quid pro quo attack has an element of give-and-take, where the attacker often offers something in exchange for sensitive information or access to the victim’s device.
On the other hand, baiting attacks involve enticing the victim with an irresistible offer (like free software) to trick the victim into taking action.
Quid Pro Quo Attacks Main Tactics
Quid pro quo attacks come in different forms. Here are the most common:
- Technical support: A quip pro quo attacker can act as a tech support agent from a legitimate company, offering to solve a fictitious issue. However, in order to get the ‘help,’ you have to give them access to your system.
- Software upgrade: In this case, quid pro quo attackers impersonate reputable software providers and give the victims a tempting offer, like a free or significant discount on a software upgrade. However, the catch is that the victim has to provide personal information or login credentials to get the seemingly beneficial upgrade.
- Education or career progress offers: In this quid pro quo variant, the attacker offers educational or career advancement opportunities in exchange for the victim’s personal information.
- Free Wi-Fi or access points: Attackers create fake Wi-Fi networks or access points, offering free internet access. However, they intercept and monitor the victim’s internet traffic to capture login credentials or steal sensitive data.
- Promotions: Quid pro quo attackers can use the attraction power of free products to lure the victim into providing their personal information or perform an action that might compromise their security.
Actual Examples of Quid Pro Quo Attacks
- In a 2022 multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency scam, the Lazarus hacking group posed as job interviewers to lure a senior engineer at Axie Affinity. He downloaded malware that enabled the scammers to steal $617 million in cryptocurrency.
- In 2024, healthcare scammers targeted numerous senior adults, offering them free equipment, services, or gift cards in exchange for their personal information and Medicare eligibility verification.