What tactic involves manipulating individuals to reveal confidential information?

Social engineering is a tactic that relies on psychological manipulation to persuade individuals into divulging confidential information. This approach takes advantage of human psychology rather than technical hacking techniques, capitalizing on trust and emotional responses. For instance, an attacker might pose as a trusted colleague or authority figure, using persuasive language to coax sensitive data from the target. By exploiting social dynamics, attackers can gain access to confidential information that might be otherwise protected, making awareness of social engineering a crucial aspect of counterintelligence.

The other options don't quite fit the definition. Phishing, although similar in its goal to obtain sensitive information, typically involves fraudulent electronic communications like emails designed to trick recipients into revealing personal information. Data manipulation refers to altering data for purposes of deception or misrepresentation, which is distinct from extracting information from individuals. Information exploitation suggests a broader concept that encompasses various methods of information misuse rather than the specific manipulation of individuals.