Cognitive Attack Taxonomy: Distortion, Alteration, and Confusion in Documented Operations

Key Points

• The research aims to create a comprehensive classification of cognitive attacks by synthesizing existing taxonomies and models.
• Synthesize deception taxonomy from JTRIG and Snowden leaks.
• Integrate Claverie C2 attack vectors.
• Apply psychological building-block models to categorize attacks.
• Document examples from GCHQ, IRA troll farms, Cambridge Analytica, and PLA operations.
• Developed a 12-type classification of cognitive attacks.
• Each attack type illustrated with real-world examples.
• Demonstrated the relevance of psychological models in understanding these attacks.