Social engineering is a concept that has been around for thousands of years, but it has evolved dramatically over time, especially as it gained digital notoriety over the past two decades by being formally named -We 'll provide insights to help you stay safe in the scene

What is social engineering?

Social engineering involves cognitive manipulation of human behavior to extract sensitive information, compromise security, or gain unauthorized access. Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics to deceive their targets, often for multiple purposes. Let’s dive deeper into how social engineering works:

Fraudulent tactics: Social engineers pose as trusted companies (such as managers, co-workers, or service providers) through emails, phone calls or other forms of communication Their goal is to give what they are owed the target is convinced that he will reveal confidential information or do something to help the attacker.
Motivation: Motivations for social engineering attacks can vary. Some seek financial gain, while others aim to obtain personal information (e.g., name, address, Social Security number). Regardless, social engineers use human psychology to achieve their goals.

 

 

 

 

 

Early History of Social Technology

Social engineering has ancient roots, but began to be formally adopted in recent decades. Let’s examine the basics:

Before the Digital Age: Social technology existed long before computers. Fraudsters, spies, and manipulators used psychological techniques to deceive individuals, gain trust, and extract information.
Digital Rise: The spread of computer networks in the late 20th century gave rise to social engineering. Hackers found that it was often easier to manipulate people than to breach technical safeguards.

What are the strategies for social engineering?

Social engineering techniques use human intelligence to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing security-compromising actions.

Here are some common tips:

Phishing:

Definition: Phishing involves sending legitimate-looking deceptive emails, messages, or calls to trick subscribers into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.

Example: An email claiming to be from a bank tells the recipient to verify their account information by clicking on the link.
Prevent: Watch out for unsolicited messages, verify the sender is human, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pretexting:

Description: Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario to extract information. The attacker poses as someone trustworthy (e.g., a co-worker or tech support).
Example: A caller pretends to be from IT support and asks for login credentials.

Solution: Verify requests before sharing information.

 

 

 

 

 

Baiting :

Description: Bait lures victims with lures (e.g., free software, music, or movie downloads) that contain malware.

Example: A USB drive labeled “Employee Bonuses” is left in a general location.

Workaround: Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.

 

 

 

 

Quid Pro Quo: He snapped.

Explanation: Quid pro quo offers something in exchange for sensitive information. It exploits the victim’s desire to profit.

Example: A caller promises free software in exchange for a login credential.
Prevention: Never share sensitive data in exchange for services.

 

Tailgating/Piggybacking attack:

Description: Tailgating allows unlicensed persons to follow authorized personnel and gain physical access.

Example: an attacker follows an employee through a security door.

Prevention: Tightly control access to safe areas and challenge visitors.

 

 

Impersonation:

Definition: Imitation is pretending to be someone else (e.g., a colleague, manager, or customer) to build trust.

Example: the attacker poses as an executive and requests sensitive data.

Prevention: Manage each unique request through a separate communication channel.

Honeytrap:

Description: A honeycomb uses personal relationships to gather sensitive information. The attacker builds trust with the victim.

Example: The attacker befriends an employee at a social event in order to gain insider information.

Prevention: Be careful about sharing personal information with unknown contacts.

 

 

 

Theft of conversions:

 

Description: Diversion theft redirects victims to fake websites (e.g., banks), causing login credentials to be stolen.
Example: Philshing email provides a link to a fake login page.

Solution: Always verify the website URL before entering sensitive information.

 

Business Email Contract (BEC):

Explanation: BEC requires posing as colleagues or trusted officials to request sensitive funds or data.
Example: An email from the CEO directs the finance department to transfer funds.

Prevention: Verifying any financial request through multiple methods.

 

 

 

 

Smishing:

Description: Smishing uses SMS (text messages) to trick users into revealing personal information.

Example: Text message The recipient claims victory and asks for personal information.

Prevention: Watch out for unexpected SMS messages and avoid replying.

 

 

 

 

 

Remember that user awareness, education, and vigilance are needed to prevent social engineering attacks. Regular training and strong security measures can help protect against this threat. Stay informed and stay safe!