Social engineering is a category of network threats that exploits human and manipulation to gain unauthorized access to information or systems. These attacks rely on deceiving individuals or groups of people to reveal sensitive , perform certain actions, or compromise security measures. Common types of social engineering include phishing, spear phishing, vishing, pretexting, and baiting, each utilizing different tactics to trick victims and gain access to sensitive data.
Phishing attacks involve deceptive emails or messages that appear , tricking recipients into revealing confidential information like login credentials or financial details. In contrast, spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing where attackers customize their messages for specific individuals or organizations, often utilizing information to make the emails more convincing. Vishing, or voice phishing, employs phone calls to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information, while pretexting uses fabricated to elicit information or actions from unsuspecting victims.
To defend against social engineering attacks, user training is essential; educating users about the various tactics and how to suspicious requests can greatly reduce risk. Implementing advanced email filtering can help to reduce phishing attempts, while enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of . Additionally, establishing strict access controls limits sensitive information access to authorized personnel, and developing incident response plans allows organizations to swiftly address security breaches when they occur. Verification protocols are crucial for confirming the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information or actions, thereby enhancing overall security.
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