What is Baiting in Cyber Security?

Baiting in cyber security is a social engineering tactic where attackers exploit human curiosity or desire by offering something enticing like free software or infected USB drives to trick individuals into compromising their security. It often results in malware infections, stolen data, and serious operational disruptions.

In 2024, baiting-style attacks contributed to major incidents. Stoli Vodka’s U.S. branch filed for bankruptcy after a cyberattack caused up to $100 million in losses. Synnovis in the UK faced a breach that triggered a national blood shortage, while Transport for London became the subject of a criminal investigation following an attack.

These incidents show how baiting can cripple operations and damage reputations. In this blog, we’ll define baiting, outline its forms, and share prevention strategies. You’ll also see how Keepnet’s Security Awareness Training helps teams spot and stop baiting threats—turning people into your strongest defense.

What is Baiting

Baiting is a cyber scam that uses attractive offers such as free movie downloads or USB drives left in public to trick individuals into compromising their security. These offers often contain malicious software designed to steal personal data or infect systems. Baiting preys on human curiosity and greed, making people act before thinking about the risks.

Unlike other cyberattacks, baiting is unique in how it exploits your desire for something free or exclusive. Whether it's a seemingly harmless USB drive or a download link, the goal is the same: to get you to take the bait and trigger a breach.

Always be cautious of unexpected offers, never plug in found USB devices, and avoid clicking unknown links.

Who does the baiting target?

Following the definition of baiting given earlier, baiting generally targets individuals, businesses, and organizations with the aim of stealing valuable information or installing malicious software.

Here are the specific targets of baiting and the reasons behind them:

• Individuals: Attackers target everyday people because they can steal personal information or install malware on their devices through tempting free offers like software, movies, or found USB drives, ultimately committing identity theft or financial fraud.
• Businesses: Employees in companies are targeted to access sensitive corporate data, financial information, or customer records. Attackers use infected USB drives or malicious emails to compromise business systems, aiming to sell the information or use it for financial gain.
• Organizations: Larger entities like government agencies or educational institutions are targeted for the valuable data they hold. Attackers use attractive offers or malware-infected devices to get into their networks, often to sell the data or use it for espionage.

How Baiting Works

Baiting exploits curiosity or the desire for free items. Attackers offer fake rewards—like gift cards, movie downloads, or premium access—to trick people into clicking malicious links or using infected devices.

They might leave a USB drive in a public place or send an email with a fake offer. For example, attackers may email office employees offering free access to exclusive online training courses. When the victim clicks the link and signs up, malware is silently installed.

This malware can:

• Steal personal or financial data
• Give remote control of the device
• Spread across the network

The goal is to access sensitive information or systems, often causing financial loss or reputational damage.

Watch the video below, where cybersecurity expert Kevin Mitnick demonstrates how hackers use baiting techniques to trick people today.

Common types of baiting attack techniques

Common types of baiting attacks include tempting offers, malware-infected devices, and online downloads. These methods are designed to exploit human behavior and weaknesses, making it easier for attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and steal sensitive information. By understanding these tactics, individuals and organizations can better recognize and prevent potential threats.

Tempting Offers

Attackers create attractive offers like free software, movie downloads, or exclusive deals. When victims accept these offers, they are directed to malicious websites or downloads that install malware on their devices. These baiting examples leverage the victim's desire for free or exclusive content, making it an effective method for spreading malware.

Malware-Infected Devices

Attackers leave malware-infected devices such as USB drives in public places like company parking lots, elevators, or break rooms. When employees find and use these devices, malware is installed on their computers, allowing attackers to steal sensitive information or gain remote access. Employees often fall for this tactic because they assume the found items are safe or because the devices appear to contain important or interesting information.

Online Downloads

Attackers set up fake websites offering free downloads of popular work-related software, productivity tools, or media files. When employees download these files, they unknowingly install malware that can compromise their company's systems and data. This method targets employees looking for free resources to help with their tasks, making it a widespread and dangerous tactic.

How Baiting is Different from Other Social Engineering Techniques

Online baiting is different from other social engineering techniques because it uses attractive items like free software or USB drives to trick people. While phishing uses fake emails and pretexting relies on fake stories, baiting tricks victims with tempting offers. Unlike tailgating, which requires physical presence, baiting in cybersecurity can be done remotely, making it highly effective.

Example of Baiting in Social Engineering Attack

In 2022, the cybercriminal group FIN7 launched a new attack, which led the FBI to warn U.S. organizations about the threat. The group sent out malicious USB drives in two types of packages: one appeared to be from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services with COVID-19 guidelines, and the other looked like Amazon gift boxes with fake gift cards. When plugged in, these USB drives installed ransomware on the victims' computers.

To avoid these attacks, employees can recognize baiting by being cautious of unexpected packages, especially those containing USB drives. They should always verify the sender's authenticity before interacting with the contents.

How to Prevent Baiting Attacks

To prevent baiting attacks, it’s important to adopt a proactive and comprehensive approach:

• Educate Employees: Start by educating employees about the dangers and tactics of baiting someone.
• Avoid Unfamiliar Links: Advise employees to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links and to be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true.
• Maintain Antivirus Software: Ensure all devices have up-to-date antivirus software.
• Scan External Devices: Encourage regular scanning of external devices before use.
• Report Suspicious Activities: Establish a clear protocol for reporting suspicious activities or items to the IT department.

This approach is significant because it raises awareness, reinforces good practices, and provides multiple layers of protection. Otherwise, without these measures, organizations risk data breaches, financial loss, and compromised systems from baiting attacks.

Prevent Baiting With Security Awareness Training

Security awareness training can help organizations prevent baiting attacks by educating employees and reinforcing good security practices. Follow these key steps:

• Educate Employees: Provide detailed sessions on specific baiting tactics, such as enticing offers and malware-infected devices.
• Conduct Mock Attacks: Test employees' responses to simulated online baiting attacks to reinforce their training.
• Encourage Vigilance: Teach employees to question unexpected offers, avoid clicking on unknown links, and be cautious with free items like USB drives.
• Update Training Materials: Regularly refresh training content to include the latest baiting examples and trends.
• Establish Reporting Protocols: Set clear procedures for employees to report suspicious items or activities to the IT department.

This comprehensive training approach ensures employees can recognize baiting examples and avoid baiting attempts, significantly reducing the risk of successful attacks.

Don't Click on Suspicious Links

Avoiding clicking on suspicious links helps organizations prevent baiting attacks by minimizing the risk of malware infections and data theft. Suspicious links often lead to malicious websites designed to install harmful software or steal sensitive information.

By being cautious and not clicking on these links, employees can protect the organization's network from being compromised, safeguard sensitive data, and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to baiting schemes that exploit curiosity and trust. This practice also reinforces a culture of cybersecurity awareness and alertness within the organization.

Keep Antivirus Tools and Anti-Malware Softwares Active

Keeping antivirus tools and anti-malware software active can help organizations prevent online baiting by providing continuous protection against malicious software. These security tools can detect and block malware from suspicious links, infected USB drives, and other sources, preventing it from compromising systems and stealing sensitive information. Regular updates ensure that the software can recognize and combat the latest threats.

By maintaining active antivirus and anti-malware defenses, organizations can reduce the risk of successful social engineering baiting, preventing data breaches, financial losses, and system downtime. This approach ensures that potential threats are identified and neutralized promptly, keeping the organization's IT environment secure and reliable.

Do Not Use External Devices Before Checking for Malware

Not using external devices before checking for malware helps prevent baiting attacks in organizations. External devices like USB drives can easily be infected with malware. Scanning these devices for malware before use ensures any threats are detected and removed. This prevents malicious software from entering the organization's systems.

By doing this, organizations can avoid data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions. This practice keeps the IT infrastructure secure and reliable.

Enhance Your Cyber Security with Keepnet

Keepnet offers robust Security Awareness Training with completion rates up to 99%, ensuring your team is well-prepared to handle various social engineering threats, including baiting attacks. Our behavior-based approach targets actions that lead to vulnerabilities, potentially saving your organization up to $1 million annually. By focusing on high-risk behaviors and social engineering tactics, our training helps protect businesses against social engineering baiting by educating employees to recognize and avoid these threats.

Key Benefits:

• Reduce High-Risk Behaviors: Decreases high-risk security behaviors by 90%, helping employees avoid common mistakes that lead to baiting attacks.
• Boost Phishing Reporting: Enhances phishing reporting by 92%, allowing for quick identification and response to threats.
• Improve Training Success: Increases completion rates from 50% to 94%, ensuring employees are thoroughly trained.
• Enhance Compliance: Regular training improves understanding and adherence to security protocols, reducing regulatory risks.

Why Choose Keepnet?

Keepnet provides over 2000 training modules from 12+ content providers, covering all types of social engineering, including phishing and online baiting. Our realistic simulators prepare employees for real-world scenarios. The training integrates seamlessly with existing systems and uses engaging methods like gamification and storytelling. Specialized content ensures relevant training for all employees.

Check out Keepnet Free Security Awareness Training to effectively protect your business against baiting attacks and ensure your organization remains secure.

Watch the video below to learn more about how Keepnet Security Awareness Training can prepare employees to effectively handle baiting in cybersecurity.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on June 9, 2025.