A trained elicitor may exploit which of the following natural human tendencies?

A trained elicitor may leverage the natural human tendency of wanting to appear well-informed to extract sensitive or valuable information. This desire often leads individuals to share more than they intend in order to demonstrate their knowledge or expertise during a conversation. When someone feels the need to impress others or show that they are knowledgeable, they might inadvertently reveal critical information that an elicitor can exploit.

For example, if an individual feels pressured to contribute to a discussion or provide insights, they may disclose sensitive details in an attempt to validate their competence. This tendency can be especially pronounced in professional settings, where there is a culture of competition and the need to establish authority. Elicitors are trained to recognize and manipulate this desire, encouraging individuals to speak more freely than they normally would, thus compromising information security.

Understanding this dynamic is essential in information security training, highlighting the importance of being aware of conversational contexts and maintaining boundaries around sensitive information, regardless of the social or professional pressure to share.