Introduction
Social engineering attacks take advantage of human psychology to manipulate individuals into compromising security. Unlike technical cyberattacks, these attacks rely on deception and trust exploitation.
What Are Social Engineering Attacks?
Social engineering attacks involve tricking individuals into revealing confidential information or performing actions that weaken security. Common tactics include phishing, pretexting (pretending to be someone trustworthy), and baiting (placing malicious items like USB drives in public places).
Examples of Social Engineering
- Phishing: Deceptive emails prompting users to click harmful links.
- Pretexting: Attackers pose as trusted figures, asking for sensitive information.
- Baiting: Attacks that entice users to take physical devices, like USBs, which contain malware.
Prevention and Training
Organizations increasingly invest in employee training to recognize and prevent social engineering attacks. Implementing multi-factor authentication and promoting security awareness reduces vulnerability.
Conclusion
With proper awareness and security practices, individuals and organizations can guard against social engineering tactics that prey on human vulnerability.
