What does "social engineering" refer to in a security context?

In the context of security, "social engineering" refers to the manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. It often involves subtle techniques to elicit sensitive information without revealing the true intention behind the inquiry. This can include situations like impersonating a trusted individual or organization, creating a sense of urgency, or using persuasive communication styles to gain the target's trust.

Option B correctly captures this concept by highlighting the process of subtly obtaining information without disclosing the actual objective of the interaction. In security practices, understanding social engineering tactics is crucial because human factors often play a significant role in breaches and vulnerabilities. Training and awareness initiatives are implemented in organizations to mitigate the risks associated with these techniques, emphasizing the importance of recognizing such manipulative approaches.