What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is a cyber attack method that manipulates people into revealing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Instead of hacking systems, attackers exploit human psychology to trick victims into giving away passwords, financial details, or other sensitive data.

Common Social Engineering Techniques:

1. Phishing – Fake emails or messages trick victims into clicking malicious links or providing login details.
2. Spear Phishing – A highly targeted phishing attack using personal details to seem more convincing.
3. Vishing (Voice Phishing) – Attackers call victims pretending to be from a bank, tech support, or HR.
4. Smishing (SMS Phishing) – Fraudulent text messages lure victims into clicking malicious links.
5. Pretexting – Attackers create a fake scenario (e.g., pretending to be IT support) to steal information.
6. Baiting – Offering something tempting (e.g., a free USB drive with malware) to trick users into infecting their systems.
7. Tailgating (Piggybacking) – An attacker follows an employee into a restricted area by pretending to have forgotten their access badge.
8. Quid Pro Quo – Attackers promise a reward (e.g., free software) in exchange for sensitive data.

How to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks:

✅ Think Before Clicking – Avoid opening links or attachments from unknown sources.
✅ Verify Requests – If someone asks for sensitive info, confirm their identity through official channels.
✅ Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Even if a password is stolen, MFA adds extra protection.
✅ Train Employees – Regular security awareness training helps recognize and prevent attacks.
✅ Limit Information Sharing – Be cautious about what you share on social media, as attackers use personal details to craft convincing scams.
✅ Monitor and Report Suspicious Activity – Encourage reporting of phishing attempts and suspicious interactions.