Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Because attackers don't just send emails.
Phone-based social engineering to test susceptibility to pretexting, credential disclosure, and unauthorized information sharing.
Overview
Voice phishing (vishing) exploits something email can't—the trust and pressure of real-time conversation. Vishing assessments test how employees handle phone calls from callers using pretexts to extract information, credentials, or actions they shouldn't authorize. Real attackers use vishing for business email compromise, help desk manipulation, and credential harvesting.
What We Test
Our vishing (voice phishing) engagements cover these key areas:
Resistance to caller ID spoofing and impersonation
Verification procedures for sensitive requests
Information disclosure to unverified callers
Handling of urgency and authority pressure
Adherence to callback verification policies
Response to technical support pretexts
Our Approach
Vishing requires skilled operators who can think on their feet. Our team includes experienced social engineers who know how to build rapport, create urgency, and navigate unexpected responses—just like real attackers.
Target Selection
Identify employees to test based on role risk. Common targets include help desk, reception, HR, finance, and executive assistants—roles with access to sensitive information or authority to act.
Pretext Development
Create believable scenarios: IT support needing password verification, vendors confirming payment details, executives requesting urgent action, or auditors seeking information.
Caller ID Setup
Configure caller ID to display expected numbers—your own IT department, a known vendor, or a spoofed executive. This tests whether employees verify callers beyond caller ID.
Call Execution
Execute calls with realistic dialogue, adapting to employee responses. We record calls (with appropriate consent) to document findings and provide training material.
Escalation Testing
If initial requests fail, we test escalation—manager name-dropping, deadline pressure, or callback requests to numbers we control.
Documentation
Document what information was disclosed, what actions were taken, and how employees responded to pressure tactics.
Common Findings
These are issues we frequently discover during vishing (voice phishing) engagements:
Caller ID trust
Employees treat caller ID as verification. If the display shows 'IT Department,' they assume the caller is legitimate.
Help desk password resets
IT help desks reset passwords or unlock accounts based on minimal verification—sometimes just knowing an employee's name and department.
Executive impersonation success
Calls claiming to be from executives, especially with urgency, receive immediate compliance. Employees fear questioning authority.
No callback verification
When asked to call back, employees use the number provided by the caller rather than looking up the official number independently.
Information oversharing
Employees volunteer information not requested—org charts, system names, executive schedules—trying to be helpful.
Common Questions
Do you record the calls?
With appropriate consent arrangements (typically organizational authorization in the Rules of Engagement), yes. Recordings are valuable for training and documentation. We follow all applicable recording consent laws and delete recordings after the engagement.
What if someone gets suspicious?
That's a success. If an employee pushes back, asks verification questions, or hangs up to call back on an official number, they've passed the test. We document the effective techniques they used.
Can you test our help desk specifically?
Yes, help desk testing is common. We call with pretexts requesting password resets, account unlocks, or information about employees—testing whether your help desk follows verification procedures.
Is this legal?
Yes, with proper authorization. We operate under written Rules of Engagement with your organization. We don't impersonate law enforcement, make threats, or violate wiretapping laws.
Other Social Engineering Options
Phishing Campaigns
Realistic email phishing simulations that test employee recognition of malicious messages, credential harvesting, and malware delivery attempts.
SMS Phishing
Text message-based attacks testing employee response to malicious links and credential requests via mobile devices.
Pretexting Scenarios
Complex social engineering scenarios combining multiple attack vectors with developed personas and backstories.
Physical Social Engineering
On-site attempts to gain unauthorized access through tailgating, impersonation, and manipulation of employees.
Ready to Strengthen Your Defenses?
Schedule a free consultation with our security experts to discuss your organization's needs.
Or call us directly at (445) 273-2873