Which attack method should a security analyst investigate to understand suspicious user behavior?

Investigating social engineering is crucial for understanding suspicious user behavior because this attack method relies heavily on manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, making it a significant concern in cybersecurity.

When a security analyst examines social engineering incidents, they can identify patterns of behavior or tactics used by attackers, such as phishing emails or pretexting calls, that target users. These incidents often reveal how users interact with technology and their environments, which is vital for developing effective training and awareness programs to mitigate such risks in the future.

The other attack methods listed—obfuscated links, SQL injection, and cross-site scripting—while also important, tend to target the technology and systems rather than the human element directly. Understanding user behavior in the context of security largely centers on the interactions individuals have with potential social engineering threats.