Social engineering is a category of network threats that exploits human psychology and manipulation to gain unauthorized access to information or systems. These attacks rely on deceiving individuals or groups of people to reveal sensitive information, perform certain actions, or compromise security measures. Here are some common social engineering network threats:
What is the main goal of a social engineering attack?
Types of social engineering
Phishing
In phishing attacks, attackers send deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate but are designed to trick recipients into revealing confidential information like login credentials or financial details.
Spear Phishing
Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing where attackers customize their messages for specific individuals or organizations. They often gather personal information to make the emails more convincing.
Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Vishing involves attackers making phone calls to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information over the phone, such as credit card numbers or login credentials.
Pretexting
Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario or pretext to manipulate individuals into providing information or performing actions they wouldn't otherwise do.
Baiting
Baiting attacks offer something enticing, like a free download or USB drive, to lure victims into unwittingly installing malware on their devices or revealing sensitive data.
Defence against social engineering attacks
User Training
Educate users about the various social engineering tactics and how to recognize and respond to suspicious requests.
Email Filtering
Implement advanced email filtering and spam detection to reduce phishing attempts.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
Strict Access Controls
Limit access to sensitive information and systems only to authorized personnel.
Incident Response Plans
Develop and practice incident response plans to swiftly address security breaches.
Verification Protocols
Establish procedures for verifying the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information or actions.
The weakest link in an organization's security defenses is often its .
Awareness training and education can help mitigate the risk of falling victim to social attacks.
