What is Social Engineering? Definition, Types, and More

Social engineering is a highly prevalent malicious activity employed by threat actors. It manipulates the human psyche to trick users and extract sensitive information. The arsenal of social engineering includes impersonating public figures, politicians, bank personnel, and IT support. Attackers first investigate the intended victims to gather necessary information like potential points of entry or weak security protocols to carry out these attacks. Hence, understanding the psychology behind these attacks is crucial to defend against them. Through raising awareness and education, organisations can effectively resist these manipulative tactics. Furthermore, security protocols such as multi-factor authentication and strict access control can provide a barrier against these attacks.

We all know about attackers who use technical expertise to breach security systems and steal sensitive data. These types of threat actors always make headlines. However, they are only one facet of the cyber landscape. The other major cyber threat that lurks beneath the surface is social engineering attacks. These cyber attacks target people who can’t spot them. They exploit human trust, fear, and desire to help, manipulating people to comprise their sensitive information.

Let’s understand social engineering in detail.

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is a malicious technique that exploits human vulnerabilities to access information or valuables. In cyber crime, human scammers target unsuspected users to expose data, spread malware functions, or give access to restricted systems. Social engineering techniques use psychological manipulation, persuasion, and exploitation to deceive users and obtain sensitive information. These attacks can be online, in-person, and via other modes.

Social engineering attacks aim to manipulate user behaviour by understanding and influencing psychological vulnerabilities, leveraging tactics that effectively deceive and manipulate individuals for malicious purposes.

Types of Social Engineering Attacks

1. Phishing

Phishing is one of the prevalent types of social engineering attacks. Broadly, phishing attacks aim to accomplish three main things:

• Gaining access to personal information such as name, address, and social security numbers.
• Employ deceptive techniques and misleading links to redirect users to fishy websites and phishing landing pages.
• Exploit fear and create a sense of urgency to manipulate users.

2. Pretexting

Pretexting is another prominent social engineering attack type in which attackers construct a pretext or fabricated scenario to steal sensitive information. In such techniques, scammers usually target trusted entities or individuals, often citing the need for specific details or information from users to confirm their identity. If the victim acts as per the command, attackers use the formation for identity theft or other nefarious purposes. Even More advanced social engineering attacks involve tricking users into doing something that sidesteps organisational security protocols.

3.  Baiting

Like other phishing attacks, Baiting employs a more insidious tactic of luring victims with an item or good. For example, baiting attacks can leverage free music or exclusive movie content offers, coaxing them to handle their sensitive information or login credentials. Alternatively, this tactic exploits human curiosity through the use of physical media, such as in the exchange of a gift or offer.

 4. Quid Pro Quo

Like baiting these attacks, quid pro quo promises something valuable in exchange for information. Unlike baiting, which offers rewards like a free gift to lure victims, a quid pro quo attack promises a service that seems legitimate, such as free tech support or account recovery.

5. Honeytrap 

Honeytrap is another form of social engineering that preys upon the human desire for love and connection, especially targeting individuals looking for love online or on a dating site. In such a tactic, attackers meticulously create a fictional persona or fake profile to trap the victim. Over time, attackers take advantage of victim’s emotional vulnerability, asking them to disclose personal information or installing malware.

How to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering attacks pose a greater threat that constantly evolves with human vulnerabilities. While it’s impossible to completely prevent social engineering attacks, individuals and organisations can safeguard themselves through a responsible approach, heightened security measures, education, and vigilance. These helpful considerations can also make a big difference in security.

1. Avoid Opening Links from Unknown Sources

If you receive any unknown links from friends and family, verify link legitimacy through direct communication.

2. Beware of Offers from Strangers

Be cautious when you receive a lucrative offer from a stranger. It can be for malicious intent.

3. Lock Your Laptop

When you are away from the workstation, implement a robust screen lock to prevent unauthorised access.

4. Utilise Multi-layered Defence

While No anti-virus can provide 100 % protection, they can act as valuable lines against threats. Hence, consider installing reputable software on your computer.

Conclusion

Social engineering attacks employ multiple tactics to deceive users and acquire sensitive information. They can occur anywhere online or through physical mediums. The Prime objective of these attacks is to gain private or critical information without the victim’s knowledge. Hence, the cost of mitigating these threats is sustainably high. A robust cyber strategy is crucial to effectively dealing with such attacks. By implementing robust security measures, organisations can bolster their defence and mitigate the risks effectively.

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