The Art of the Innocent Ask: How Threat Actors Use Benign Conversations Artwork

DISCARDED: Tales From the Threat Research Trenches

DISCARDED: Tales from the Threat Research Trenches is a podcast for security practitioners, intelligence analysts, and threat hunters looking to learn more about the threat behaviors and attack patterns. Each episode you’ll hear real world insights from our researchers about the latest trends in malware, threat actors, TTPs, and more.
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DISCARDED: Tales From the Threat Research Trenches

The Art of the Innocent Ask: How Threat Actors Use Benign Conversations

April 29, 2025 • Proofpoint • Season 1 • Episode 77

Hello to all our Cyber Spring Chickens! Join host Selena Larson and guest hosts, Tim Kromphardt and Sarah Sabotka, both Senior Threat Researchers at Proofpoint.

These top sleuths crack open Proofpoint’s new Human Factor series and explore one of the most deceptively dangerous tactics in a threat actor’s playbook: the benign conversation.

What exactly is a benign conversation—and why is it anything but harmless? Whether it’s a simple “Do you have a minute?” or a seemingly legit job offer, these messages are often the opening moves in complex social engineering attacks used for fraud, malware delivery, and even nation-state espionage.

The team dives into:

The top five fraud-related benign conversation themes, including the rise of advanced fee fraud
Real-world examples of job scams, gift card requests, and a Taylor Swift-themed lure
The difference between financially motivated lures and espionage-style social engineering
How Iranian and North Korean threat actors are perfecting the art of trust-building through impersonation and tailored messages
TOAD scams (Telephone-Oriented Attack Delivery) and the power of fear and urgency
The critical role of spoofing in making these attacks believable
The human toll and psychological manipulation behind scams like pig butchering—and why acknowledging the abuse behind them matters

From hijacked contact forms and fake antivirus invoices to AI-generated phone calls and scam compounds, this episode blends serious security insight with Friday vibes and candid discussion.

Whether you're a seasoned threat analyst or just here for the “lure-palooza,” you’ll walk away with a sharper eye for red flags—and a deeper understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Resources Mentioned:

🔍 [Read the full report] https://www.proofpoint.com/us/resources/threat-reports/human-factor-social-engineering

For more information about Proofpoint, check out our website.

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