WITHDRAWN

People sometimes call social engineering the "human factor" in cybersecurity; however, this kind of language hides the underlying philosophical aspects of the issue.Instead of viewing persons as the most vulnerable component in technical systems, social engineering should be recognised as a means of revealing the cultivation, maintenance, and exploitation of moral and intellectual inclinations within digital contexts.Current ethical frameworks predominantly exhibit deontological and utilitarian influences, prioritising adherence to regulations or the optimisation of favourable results.Although these frameworks possess practical applicability, they inadequately represent the moral agency of individuals faced with deception.This essay constructs a conceptual analysis that reinterprets social engineering within the context of Digital Virtue Ethics.Utilising Aristotle's notion of phronesis and MacIntyre's interpretation of practices, the argument underscores that effective resistance to manipulation relies more on the cultivation of qualities such as wisdom, temperance, courage, and justice than on strict compliance with laws.Insights from virtue epistemology, especially in the writings of Zagzebski and Sosa, enhance this study by highlighting epistemic vigilance through attentiveness, humility, and conscientiousness.The amalgamation of these traditions facilitates the emergence of Digital Phronesis: a distinctive form of practical wisdom tailored to the inherent unpredictability and persuasive dynamics of online existence.The important point is that technical precautions and compliance procedures are necessary, but they are not enough on their own.They need a philosophical framework that sees people as moral actors who can develop strong inclinations.From this perspective, social engineering is not just a technological violation but also an affront to moral character and intellectual integrity.When you talk about cybersecurity in terms of virtue, you move away from the idea of the "weakest link" and make human agency the most important layer of defence.