Social engineering describes manipulative behavior aimed at obtaining confidential or private information from another individual. In today’s technology-driven society, hackers increasingly commonly employ social engineering techniques to gain access to secure networks and systems (Krombholz, 2014). There are numerous types of social engineering techniques, each of which is employed in various situations. Hackers often get into company networks, systems, and data using technical and human-based social engineering methods ( Showkat, 2017).
Technical social engineering uses specialized tools and software to exploit known system vulnerabilities. This can be accomplished by gaining unauthorized access through password cracking, guessing, or installing malware with a backdoor. A hacker may exploit security flaws in a network or system’s software, hardware, or configuration. In human-based social engineering, a hacker employs psychological manipulation techniques to coerce individuals into divulging sensitive information (Publishing, 2018).
Types of social engineering
Technical Social Engineering
Technical social engineering (TSE) uses technical skills to gain access to otherwise inaccessible information or systems. TSE incorporates a wide variety of techniques. Others may employ human psychology to exploit users’ natural curiosity or sense of altruism (Publishing, 2018). Regardless, all require good research and planning before they’re put into action—there’s no room for “winging it” when performing technical social engineering
Although some may view the practice as unethical, it is essential to remember that TSE is only one component of a larger security process. It is not intended to be an excuse for malicious behavior but rather a tool for understanding and addressing security concerns., And by doing TSE tests regularly, organizations can learn a lot about how their users and systems act, which can be used to improve the company’s security posture.
Human-based social engineering
Human-based social engineering is a psychological manipulation that exploits security vulnerabilities through human interaction. Phishing, sextortion swindles, and baiting are common examples. Unlike other forms of computer hacking, which rely primarily on technical tools and processes, human-based social engineering takes advantage of the fact that people tend to be trusting and curious by nature. Using this tendency, hackers can create emails or websites that appear authentic to trick users into divulging sensitive information or installing malware (Peltier, 2006).
To combat the threat posed by human-based social engineering, users must understand how these techniques function and what they can do to avoid becoming victims. Using multi-factor authentication and avoiding websites or emails that request sensitive information are two strategies that can aid in this regard. Also, it’s important to know about the latest security threats since hackers are always coming up with new ways to take advantage of users who aren’t paying attention (Dasgupta et al., 2017).
How Social Engineering Works
Exploiting Human Nature
Social engineering is a method of gaining access to sensitive information or systems by exploiting human nature. This can be accomplished by manipulating individuals to take actions they would not normally take, such as divulging personal information or clicking on a malicious link. Numerous social engineering techniques can be employed, depending on the attacker’s goals and objectives. Attackers can easily get into systems or get sensitive data by taking advantage of how people act. Organizations must protect themselves from these attacks (Wenjun et al., 2017).
Manipulating social interactions
Social engineering is a technique that manipulates social interactions to manipulate or exploit others. This involves using psychological and other forms of manipulation to influence the behavior of your target in your favor, whether intentionally or not (Stewart & James, 2015). Social engineering employs numerous techniques, including pretexting, phishing, baiting, and shoulder surfing. Pretexting entails fabricating false scenarios or narratives to gain the confidence of others and gain access to information or locations that would otherwise be restricted. Phishing uses deceptive emails or websites to induce individuals to divulge sensitive information, such as login credentials and credit card information. Baiting involves placing malicious software (e.g., a virus) on physical media such as USB drives or CDs and enticing others to use it. Shoulder surfing entails observing a person’s computer screen or other private information to gain access to sensitive data (Alharthi et al., 2020).
Social engineering can be used for malicious purposes, but it can also be used for good. For instance, social engineers may employ these techniques as part of security testing exercises, essentially “hacking” the systems to identify potential weaknesses. Social engineers can also use their skills in sales and marketing by gathering information about potential clients. They can then use this information to personalize their approach or target prospects more likely to be interested in their products and services.
Utilization of Modern Technology
Utilizing technology to exploit system and software vulnerabilities is a common strategy employed by social engineers. For example, hackers may use automated tools that scan networks for open ports and weak passwords. This lets them quickly get access to data or other resources that are valuable to them. Although social engineers employ various methods and strategies, one thing is clear: the best defense against these attacks is to remain vigilant and always be aware of potential risks when using technology. You can avoid becoming the next victim of social engineering by taking a few simple steps, like checking emails for typos and strange links and not connecting to networks you don’t know about (Krombholz et al., 2014).
Common social engineering scams
Scams using phishing techniques
Typically, phishing scams are conducted through email communications. Hackers will send an email purporting to be from a legitimate company, such as your bank or credit card provider. They will request sensitive information such as your account password or PIN. In product phishing scams, hackers will send you a direct message on Facebook or Twitter containing a link to a fraudulent website (Chenet al., 2020). While phishing scams can take many different forms, they all serve the same purpose: to trick you into divulging sensitive information that will allow criminals to steal your money or access your online accounts. Also, they could put malware on your computer or phone to spy on you, steal your information for identity theft, or force you to give them money (Chen et al., 2020).
Vishing Scams
Vishing scams are a form of identity theft in which the perpetrator uses phone calls to attempt to obtain your personal information. Typically, these con artists will claim that you have missed an opportunity or are ineligible for a program. They may also claim a technical error with your credit card and request that you re-enter your information so they can enter it. Beware! This is always a scam, as no legitimate company would ever call their customers and ask them to enter their credit card number into the phone’s keypad. If you receive a call requesting information about your credit card, hang up immediately (Maggi et al., 2011).
Sextortion scams
Sextortion scams are a form of online extortion that target individuals with explicit sexual content. These scams frequently begin with the victim receiving an email from someone claiming to have hacked their computer, smartphone, or webcam and captured inappropriate images and videos. The con artist then uses blackmail to get the victim to pay him or her money so that the video doesn’t get posted on pornographic websites or sent to friends (Liggett, 2019). Although these frauds may appear unbelievable, they are extremely common and can have devastating effects on their victims. Some sextortion scammers, for instance, threaten to reveal sensitive information about the victim’s private life, such as sexual preferences or financial details, if the victim does not comply with their demands. Others may even release compromising information online or directly to family members (Liggett, 2019).
Sextortion scams have existed for several decades, but the techniques employed have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. Particularly, con artists are now distributing explicit content without the victim’s knowledge via malware, malicious software that gains access to or damages computers. To convince and manipulate victims into paying, they rely on social engineering psychology techniques, such as reverse psychology and fear of embarrassment. Also, con artists often make fake websites that look like they belong to well-known businesses or government agencies. This makes the people they want to trick think they are real threats (Cross et al., 2022).
Spear Scams
A spear scam is a prevalent form of fraud. Hackers typically target potential victims by requesting that they perform an action (e.g., pay for goods, unlock a file) in exchange for a reward or feature. Occasionally, attackers will request personal information from the victim, such as social security numbers, banking information, and financial account numbers, which can be used to steal money through unauthorized access to the victim’s accounts. Each year, numerous individuals fall victim to this type of scam (Wang et al., 2012).
How to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering
Educate Yourself
As its name implies, social engineering is a form of attack that employs psychological manipulation to deceive users into divulging sensitive information or granting access to valuable resources. This may sound like a plot from a spy film, but it is a real threat that can have severe consequences for businesses and individuals alike.
You must educate yourself on common attack strategies to protect yourself from social engineering attacks. Some common types of social engineering are phishing emails that try to get you to open malicious links or click on fake attachments; phone calls in which an attacker pretends to be from your bank or another trusted institution to get personal information; and “vishing” attacks that use VoIP technology to make it look like the call is real (Brody et al., 2012).
In addition to being aware of these common techniques, it is essential to remain vigilant and skeptical when receiving requests for sensitive information or account access. Verify the individual’s identity before responding if you receive an unexpected phone call, email, or text message requesting information. Also, it is prudent to avoid disclosing too much personal information online and only do so when educating yourself on social engineering attacks. Take precautions against them to protect yourself and your business from these dangerous cyberattacks.
Beware of unsolicited requests.
Social engineering is a form of attack in which hackers use deception and manipulation to gain access to sensitive information or systems. To avoid social engineering attacks, you should be wary of phone, email, text message, and in-person requests you did not ask for. Before anything else, it is crucial to be aware of the various social engineering techniques that can be used against you. These include phishing emails that send you to fake websites or trick you into downloading malicious software; pretexting calls, in which someone pretends to be an authority figure to get personal information; and baiting techniques, in which attackers leave USB drives or other items around for you to pick up and put into your computer (Abe & Soltys, 2019).
Create strong passwords.
As the sophistication of cyber threats increases, it is more vital than ever to protect yourself from social engineering attacks. These attacks can take different forms, like phishing emails that trick you into giving out your personal information or phone calls that trick you into installing malware on your computer. Creating strong passwords for all your online accounts is one of the most effective ways to defend against these attacks. This includes using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords and avoiding commonly used passwords such as “password” and “123456.” Also, you should not use the same password for more than one account. Instead, you should create a different password for each account (Koyun & Al Janabi, 2017).
Conclusion
Social engineering is a type of attack that involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or gaining unauthorized access to systems. It can target people, businesses, and organizations of all sizes. Despite social engineering attacks’ dangers and potential repercussions, many individuals do not take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. Social engineering attacks can be launched in various ways, including using weak passwords, opening suspicious links or attachments, and disclosing too much personal data online. To protect yourself from social engineering attacks, you must be aware of the various techniques that attackers may employ and take precautions to reduce your likelihood of being targeted or exploited. This may involve using robust passwords, avoiding dubious websites and links, and having a heightened awareness of the information you share online. In addition, it is essential to be alert for any suspicious activity or requests for information that could indicate an attack is in progress. Taking these precautions can reduce your vulnerability to social engineering attacks and your likelihood of falling victim to one. This will ultimately contribute to the safety and security of your data and sensitive information.
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