Social Engineering is the art of manipulating people into performing specific actions or revealing confidential information. It relies on human psychology rather than technical hacking techniques to breach security measures.
Common Techniques
- Phishing attacks
- Pretexting (false scenarios)
- Baiting with incentives
- Quid pro quo offers
- Authority impersonation
Psychological Triggers
- Urgency or time pressure
- Fear and intimidation
- Trust exploitation
- Curiosity manipulation
- Authority compliance
Attack Vectors
- Email communications
- Phone calls (vishing)
- Text messages (smishing)
- In-person interactions
- Social media platforms
Warning Signs
- Unusual urgency
- Unexpected contacts
- Suspicious requests
- Authority claims
- Too-good offers
Prevention Methods
- Employee training
- Verification procedures
- Communication protocols
- Access controls
- Incident reporting
Social Engineering remains one of the most effective methods of breaching security as it exploits human nature. Regular training and awareness are essential for protection.