Type of Culminating Activity
Graduate Student Project
Graduation Date
8-2025
Degree Title
Master of Science in Cyber Operations and Resilience
Major Advisor
Andrew Wilburn, M.A.
Abstract
This paper discusses pig butchering schemes and how they leverage human weaknesses through advanced social engineering and manipulation techniques that are enabled through the use of human trafficking, forced labor, and government corruption in Southeast Asia. Details regarding scammer exploitation and the formation of a victim-offender identity is presented, followed by the explanation of factors that allow organized crime groups to exist. Essential tactics used by scammers are examined to understand how they weaponize people's vulnerabilities for the duration of the scam to build a relationship with the victim and earn their trust in order to financially exhaust them through fraudulent investment opportunities. Recommendations for a solution are given, including proposing better legislation to protect consumers, AI, and promoting user responsibility.
Recommended Citation
Freeman, Melaney, "Exploitation for All: The Factors that Enable Pig Butchering Schemes to Weaponize Cybersecurity's Weakest Link" (2025). Boise State Graduate Student Projects. 7.
https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/interdisc_gradproj/7
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.