# ASI09 - Human-Agent Trust Exploitation

> Exploiting the persuasive nature of agents to manipulate users into unsafe actions.

- **Category**: Owasp Agentic Ai
- **Subcategory**: top10_2026
- **Canonical URL**: https://designpattern.fyi/owasp_agentic_ai/asi09_human_trust_exploitation/

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## Description
'**Intent**: Prevent agents from being weaponized to manipulate human users through social engineering or deceptive interactions.

**Context**: Agents can be highly persuasive and build trust with users over time. Compromised agents can exploit this trust to manipulate users into revealing sensitive information or taking harmful actions.

**Solution**: Implement transparency in agent capabilities and limitations. Require independent verification for high-stakes decisions. Add friction for irreversible actions. Monitor for manipulation patterns. Educate users about AI limitations.'



## Use Cases
Use when agents interact with end users, especially in advisory, customer service, or decision-support roles.





## Trade-offs


### Advantages

- Protects users from manipulation

- Builds appropriate trust calibration

- Supports ethical AI deployment

- Reduces social engineering risk




### Considerations & Drawbacks

- Transparency may reduce engagement

- Friction may impact user experience

- Trust calibration is subjective







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**Reference**: [Original Source](https://genai.owasp.org/resource/owasp-top-10-for-agentic-applications-for-2026)