Investigation | The language behind human hacking

This research examines how Social Engineering (SE) and persuasive language determine phishing success. Applying Romanova's framework (Logos, Ethos, Pathos) and Cialdini's principles, it shows that technical sophistication fails without a compelling narrative. The Pink Drainer group stole $12.8 million by combining visual authority with rhetorical manipulation, whereas the Trezor impersonation attack failed because linguistic inconsistencies undermined its legitimacy. The study concludes that adaptive language is decisive in exploiting human error, highlighting the need for critical literacy in persuasive strategies to reduce cyber fraud.