Emerging Threat Vectors

New technologies create new vulnerabilities:

IoT Device Manipulation: AI can analyze patterns from smart home devices, wearables, and connected cars to understand routines, predict locations, and identify optimal attack timing. Social engineers use this intelligence to craft more convincing pretexts or time physical attacks.

Augmented Reality Exploits: As AR devices become common, new social engineering opportunities emerge. Attackers could manipulate AR overlays to display false information, create synthetic people in real environments, or guide victims to dangerous locations through modified navigation.

Brain-Computer Interface Risks: While still emerging, brain-computer interfaces present ultimate social engineering risks. Direct neural interfaces could be exploited to manipulate thoughts, emotions, or actions. Though currently science fiction, the rapid pace of development demands early consideration of defenses.