Library
baiting
Baiting
Baiting attacks lure victims with something enticing — a free download, a USB drive left in a public place, or a tempting offer. The bait contains malware or leads to credential theft. Unlike phishing, baiting relies on curiosity or greed rather than fear or urgency.
How to identify
- Found USB drives or storage devices in public spaces
- Offers for free software, movies, or music downloads
- Pop-up ads promising free gifts or prizes
- Emails with enticing attachments from unknown senders
- Websites offering "cracked" or pirated software
- QR codes in suspicious or unusual locations
- Too-good-to-be-true promotional offers
How to prevent
- Never plug unknown USB drives into your computer
- Only download software from official sources
- Use reputable antivirus software with real-time scanning
- Be skeptical of free offers and prizes
- Disable USB autorun on your devices
- Report found storage devices to your IT department
- Verify promotional offers through official channels
Learn more