Social engineering is a term used to describe the psychological manipulation of individuals into performing actions or divulging confidential information. It is a type of cybercrime that relies on human error rather than technical vulnerabilities, and can be difficult to defend against because it exploits basic human trust and instincts.
There are several tactics and techniques that cybercriminals may use when attempting to engage in social engineering. These can include phishing scams, pretexting, baiting, scareware, and quid pro quo attacks.
Phishing scams are one of the most common types of social engineering attacks. These scams typically involve the use of fake emails or websites that are designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. Phishing scams often use a sense of urgency or fear to persuade the victim to take action, such as threatening to close their account or warning of a security breach.
Pretexting is another tactic that may be used in social engineering attacks. This involves creating a fake identity or scenario in order to gain the trust of the victim and persuade them to divulge sensitive information. For example, a cybercriminal might pretend to be a bank representative or IT technician in order to obtain login credentials or access to sensitive systems.
Baiting is a social engineering technique that involves offering the victim something they desire in exchange for sensitive information or access to systems. This could be a free trial or a discounted product, for example. The victim is then persuaded to provide personal information or login credentials in order to take advantage of the offer.
Scareware is another tactic that may be used in social engineering attacks. This involves using fear or the threat of a security breach to persuade the victim to take action, such as installing a piece of software or providing personal information. Scareware attacks often involve the use of fake antivirus software or security alerts to trick the victim into believing their device is at risk.
Quid pro quo attacks are another type of social engineering attack that involves the exchange of goods or services for sensitive information or access to systems. For example, a cybercriminal might offer to fix a computer problem in exchange for login credentials or access to sensitive data.
Social engineering attacks can be difficult to defend against because they rely on human trust and emotions. However, there are steps that individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves against these types of attacks. These include:
Overall, social engineering is a serious threat to both individuals and organizations. By understanding the tactics and techniques used by cybercriminals and taking steps to protect against these attacks, individuals and organizations can better defend themselves against these types of threats.
SubRosa is a cybersecurity solutions provider specializing in cyber assessments and risk and compliance.
