Pig Butchering in Cybersecurity: A Modern Social Engineering Threat

L. Burton, Dr. Sharon ; D. (Vickerson) Moore, Dr. Pamela (2024) — SocioEconomic Challenges

AI-Generated Synopsis

Pig butchering represents an expanding cybersecurity threat that relies on social engineering to establish trust and execute financial fraud. The relevance of this issue lies in the growing frequency and sophistication of these scams, accompanied by substantial financial losses and psychological harm to victims. The purpose of the study is to clarify the methods employed in pig butchering schemes and to assess their impact on both individuals and organizations. The research focuses on digital environments such as social media platforms, dating applications, and professional networking sites, chosen for their extensive user bases and their relative ease in forming personal connections. The analysis concentrates on developments from the past five years to capture the evolving and increasingly sophisticated nature of these scams. By mapping the tactic patterns across platforms, the study seeks to inform more effective prevention and response strategies. Methodologically, the study relies on a qualitative literature review as its central approach, synthesizing findings from academic articles, industry reports, and case studies. This review is complemented by a benchmark of statistical inputs drawn from law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity firms, and victim reports. The key findings corroborate the effectiveness of proactive cybersecurity measures, including continuous education of users and the provision of specialized protective services, in mitigating pig butchering attempts. The data support the hypothesis that these measures can significantly reduce scam success rates, reflecting improvements in detection, awareness, and resilience among potential victims. Additionally, the results point to the importance of tailored interventions and defense-in-depth strategies that adapt to the changing tactics employed by perpetrators. The study notes that prevention is most effective when it combines awareness with practical protections and response mechanisms. From these findings, the research indicates that strengthening cybersecurity protocols and expanding training programs are crucial elements for defense against this pervasive threat. The discussion highlights the potential for predictive modeling and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance early detection and prevention capabilities. The work offers actionable insights for policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, and educators, emphasizing the need for coordinated international cooperation and the deployment of advanced technological defenses to counter pig butchering across sectors. By framing the problem in a cross-platform context and outlining practical defense considerations, the study contributes to a foundation for policy development, risk assessment, and capacity building aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of such scams


        
      

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