Why Authority Feels Real
Explain why authority cues make social-engineering requests feel safer than they are.
Authority is not verification. A title can tell you who the request claims to come from; it cannot prove the request is authentic. Attackers use authority because it changes the emotional cost of slowing down. Slowing a lawyer, executive, auditor, or IT admin feels risky, especially for a new employee. Treat authority cues as routing hints, not proof. Watch for A title plus an unusual request. A senior name plus secrecy. A familiar department plus credentials, payment, personal data, or door access. Respond with Ticket, directory callback, approved workflow, or manager escalation.
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