What Is Social Engineering? Learn Types, Tactics & How to Prevent It

Social engineering is the term used for the art of manipulating people. Its primary objective is to deceive people and manipulate them psychologically into giving up confidential information and performing actions that can breach their digital security. The ‘human hackers’ destroy the trust of the user and use his/her confidential details for their own welfare. The attackers here are the true psychological hackers and they don’t crack any passwords or codes, they actually crack humans. They are just here to play with the human emotions- they gain their trust and exploit them.

Social engineering- The Trusted Lie of the Digital Era

Plenty of people are deceived by an attacker via social engineering. If hacking is invading your system then social engineering is persuading you to pave the way for them.

The social engineering attackers depend on the following human emotions –

• Fear
• Curiosity
• Urgency
• Desire to help, etc.

The attackers will either portray themselves as a trusted figure or a high-value person from an established authority. For example-

1. A trusted coworker or a relative demanding some sensitive information in an urgent.
2. A bank manager demands bank details in order to help with new schemes and benefits.

How does Social Engineering works?

Most of the social engineering attacks depend on compromising and direct communication with the user.

Below is a brief step-by-step guide for the same.

1. STRATEGISE by collecting details about you and the organization you are a part of.
2. Sneak in by building a relationship or a conversation and gaining the trust of the user.
3. Exploit the user after the trust has been established and proceed to the attack.
4. Disconnect after the user has compromised.

The common types of social engineering attacks.

1. Phishing- Phishing can be called the majesty of social engineering attacks. It often comes in the form of messages or emails that seem to be true but are actually made to steal your sensitive information. As
an example one can think of a fraud email by an unknown source claiming to freeze the victim’s account if the stated actions are not taken. When the victim clicks on the mentioned links or download something as advised by the fraudster, the confidential details are accessible to the fraudster and there is no returning back.

2. Spear Phishing- It is a special type of phishing where the victim is specifically targeted and the attacker impersonates a trusted individual or an organisation.Attackers are well aware of the victim and the message feels personal and convincing.

3. Pretexting- It is a type of social engineering attack where the attacker creates a fake scenario and plays with the human emotion of fear and urgency. The attacker might pretend to be from a department or an organisation and wanted some confidential details to ‘fix an urgent issue’.

The main goal of pretexting attacks is as follows-

• Access to the system and accounts.
• Stealing of personal data and passwords.
• Financial fraud
• Collect inside information for conducting larger attacks(like corporate spying)

4. Baiting- This often plays with the human emotion of greed and curiosity. The attackers rely on the target’s desire for something valuable or precious.

Below are some common baiting tactics that the attackers use –

• False job advertisements and offers.
• Software or media infected with malware.
• USB drives or CDs left in public places.
• Prize or gift notification(You’ve won a car.Click on the link to claim)

5) Quid Pro Quo- It is a special type of social engineering attack where the attacker offers a service or benefit in exchange for information and access. The attacker portrays someone legitimate who is offering to help, but requires information to continue further.

How it works –

• The victim is offered some service which is useful and desirable.
• Attacker convinces the victim to share details or access.
• The access is exploited for malicious purposes.

6) Tailgating and Piggybacking- These are two types of social engineering attacks in which an unauthorised person gets the access of a restricted area – usually by following someone who is authorised.

The difference between the two is as follows –

Aspect	Tailgating	Baiting
Consent	The person sneaks in without permission.	The person is knowingly let in.
Awareness	The victim is unaware.	Victim is aware but cannot suspect anything.
Intent	Malicious invasion.	Triggered by trust and politeness.
Example	Follow closely on the entrance.	“Can you hold the door? I forgot my ID.”

How to Prevent a Social Engineering Attack?

Knowing about social engineering is the first step to defend yourself from the attacks. Below are different methods by which you can protect yourself and your organisation from such attacks – 

• Stay Skeptical- If something doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t. Unexpected or out-of-the-blue messages or emails with a sense of urgency, or a request for personal details are all fishy.
• Verify Identities- Never give someone your personal details without verifying whom you are talking to. If someone claims to be a person from higher authorities or a person of high value then always confirm through official channels.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication(MFA)- Even if a hacker or social engineer gets your password, MFA adds an extra layer to protect confidential data on computer.
• Always keep the systems updated- Outdated software can be an easy target for attackers. Regular updates can improve security from known vulnerabilities.
• Train your team- The best defense for social engineering attacks is awareness. Regular training to the employees and staff can help in the identification and reporting of social engineering attacks without suffering.
• Think before you click- Be cautious to clicking any link sent by an unknown sender. Hover over links to check where they lead.

Conclusion

Social Engineering has affected many individuals and even many high-profile companies. Staying alert and aware of these attacks can secure you and your company from any confidential or personal information leaks.

If you still feel the need to make data more secure and preserved, you can trust Cybersics. Here we help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture through advanced digital forensics, threat detection, and advanced awareness training. With us, you will be able to identify, prevent, and respond to social engineering attacks effectively.

To know more about us, contact us directly.

Social engineering thrives in darkness, awareness is the light to it.
Stay aware, stay alert, and always question before you click.