How does baiting use infected software to compromise a computer system?

In the context of cyberwar, baiting is a form of social engineering that manipulates human behavior to compromise computer systems. Rather than exploiting technical vulnerabilities directly, attackers rely on the curiosity or greed of a target user.12

The process typically involves the following steps:

• Placement: Attackers leave malware-infected software or storage media in a location where a target is likely to find it. This may involve leaving an infected USB flash drive in a public area or a physical office, or placing malicious files in public online spaces.12
• Enticement: The software is often disguised as something desirable or legitimate, such as a free application, a game, or a file containing sensitive or interesting information.12
• Installation: When a user finds the bait and installs the software or accesses the infected drive, the malware is executed on their computer.12
• Compromise: Once installed, the malware grants the attacker access to the system, allowing them to steal data, monitor activity, or spread the infection across a broader network.12

This method is primarily used to conduct espionage and criminal activity by bypassing traditional security perimeters through human error.1