Social Engineering: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

Hemanth, from the alliance department here. This time, I'm blogging on the study session subject of Social Engineering.

Introduction

Social engineering is the skill of persuading others to provide sensitive information or do activities that are advantageous to the attacker. Instead of taking use of a system's technical flaws, it often includes taking advantage of human psychology and trust. Human emotions, cognitive biases, and social conventions are all used by social engineers to manipulate their victims into giving them access to private data, systems, or facilities.

Different Phases of Social Engineering

Information gathering: Attackers start by gathering information on potential victims. Of particular interest are high-profile individuals with privileged access to sensitive information and protected systems. Planning: Once locked on to a target, attackers begin planning their next steps, which will depend on the chosen social engineering attack. Exploitation: Next, it’s time for the execution of the social engineering attack. Sometimes, it can take attackers weeks or even months to reach this step. Retreat: Finally, attackers vanish into thin air. It may take the victim a long time to realize that they have been attacked.

Must Know Attacks of Social Engineering

Spear Phising

In the case of spear phishing, the attacker selects the target by obtaining information about the person or business. They send phony emails or text messages that can be related to the consumers in order to generate buzz. Users or victims will be encouraged to disclose or modify their passwords as a result. There is also a chance for the attackers to share a link that would take the users to a malicious page to launch the cyber attack. It is one of the most dangerous social engineering cyber attacks.

Pretexting

For an attacker to carry out a pretexting sort of social engineering, building trust is the first stage. The attackers pose as bank employees or other people in positions of authority and initiate a discussion with the user using a series of pre-written lies. They communicate the requirement for confidential information or credentials in order to execute critical or important tasks. The victims are questioned by the assailants about their identities and personal details such addresses, social security numbers, phone numbers, and more.

Tailgaiting

Tailgaiting, also referred to as piggybacking, is a form of physical social engineering. The goal of this cyberattack is to provide an unauthorized user access to a zone that is off-limits. In contrast to previous cyberattacks, tailgating involves using a password or credential that was obtained through user or coworker manipulation. For Example, the invader requests that someone "hold the door": The offender may pose as a coworker and request that someone who is entering a building hold open a door. The attacker may claim to have lost their ID card, loiter in easily accessible break areas, or even engage up a conversation with actual employees to further the impression that they are a fellow employee. Due to the attacker's manipulation of the target, tailgating attacks also entail social engineering.

Baiting

Baiting, it is a form of social engineering that piques the victims' curiosity by making untrue promises. They can steal personal data and take advantage of the user's system or accounts in this way. The victims take the bait, which results in the malware being installed on their computers. The attackers also use online forms that guide users to fraudulent websites where they can be exploited. An employee who is not paying attention connects a USB drive or other storage device that has been infected with malware into their computer, which compromises the entire system and even the network the device is attached to. Baiting can also take place online, with cybercriminals employing enticing adverts as entry points to malicious websites. Ads promising "A free iPad" or other seems good-to-be-true deals are frequent attempts by cybercriminals to lure unwary people.

Scareware

Scareware is a form of social engineering that tricks individuals or a corporation employee into believing that their computer system is infected with malware. They will be motivated to install malware that will allow attackers to exploit the systems since it will instill terror in their thoughts. Popup banner messages are one of the frequent scareware attacks, which you frequently see when online. A virus has been found on your computer, for example, or spyware has been installed on your computer, according to certain notifications. These spyware attacks might also be sent via emails.

Defend Against Social Engineering

Social Awareness Training

Employees should receive social engineering awareness training to become aware of any social engineering dangers they may face in the field and to learn how to defend themselves. A big difference can be made by doing something as straightforward as emphasizing the value of adhering to standard practices like double-checking email addresses and paying attention to URLs.

Social engineering simulations

It's important to regularly run social engineering simulations to assess the success of training in social engineering awareness. Poor performers should receive more training until their detection rates increase.

Security-first culture:

Ultimately, companies should work to develop a culture of security-first where everyone is conscious of their part in preventing social engineering attempts from leading to expensive data breaches. Employees should never feel under pressure to disregard best practices when juggling demanding deadlines or striving to meet lofty performance goals. Instead, they should always know that cybersecurity is a top concern.

Conclusion

Understanding social engineering and protecting yourself from it are essential in the age of digital connection. To prevent these sneaky attacks, arm yourself with information, awareness, and a security-first mentality. You may protect your data, networks, and peace of mind from the deceitful practices of social engineers by remaining attentive and developing a resilient cybersecurity culture.