Everyday cyber criminals find newer way one way or another to commit cyber crimes and harm users. Malware is their weapon of destruction, once it enters the victim’s machine it handles the crime. However, to gain the initial entry, the criminal performs several tricks (ie phishing, baiting, tailgating, etc.). All these methods are often collectively called social engineering. In this article we will talk more about it.
Social engineering – defined.
Social engineering, the term is often used in the context of cyber security, where attackers use techniques to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or steal sensitive information.
In general, it refers to
Using psychological manipulation and deception to influence individuals or groups of people to reveal confidential information, perform actions or make decisions that are not in their best interest.
Social engineering attacks can take many forms, such as phishing emails, excuses, baiting, or backdoor attacks, and can target anyone from individuals to large corporations. The success of a social engineering attack often relies on exploiting the victim’s trust, fear, or lack of knowledge. .It is mainly used by cybercriminals to bypass security protocols and gain access to confidential information or networks.
The most common ways of social engineering attacks
Social engineering attacks are often a collective method of several techniques. Below are some of the most common ways for such attacks:
Phishing: Phishing is a very common name in the cyber security world. It is also the most common type of social engineering attack. Here attackers send phishing emails that appear to come from known sources (such as banks, social media or other trusted organizations) to trick victims into clicking a link or downloading a malicious attachment. Once the attachment is opened, malware makes its way to the computer or device.
excuses: In this type of social engineering attack, the attacker creates a false scenario or pretense to convince victims to reveal sensitive information or perform actions they would not normally do. This approach requires the attacker to interact with the victim more proactively. The exploitation comes after they convince the victim that they are legitimate.
Bait: Baiting is a phishing attack in a different form. It involves enticing victims with a reward or incentive to click on a link or download a file, which then infects their computer with malware.
Spear fishing: Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing, where attackers create personalized messages to trick specific people into revealing sensitive information or clicking on a link.
be late: tailgating is a physical social engineering attack, where an attacker follows an authorized person into a restricted area, bypassing security protocols. Excuses can play a role here too.
Impersonation: Impersonation is a type of social engineering attack where the attacker pretends to be someone else, such as an administrator or IT support, to gain access to sensitive information or systems.
watering hole: In a watering hole attack, attackers target a specific group of people by infecting a popular website or online community that they are known to visit with malware.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples of social engineering attacks, and attackers can use a variety of other tactics to manipulate their victims.
Why social engineering is preferred by cybercriminals
This is mainly because it can be a very effective way to trick people into giving up sensitive information or taking actions that could compromise their security.
Cybercriminals use social engineering to exploit human psychology and behavior. The actions they take lead the victim to reveal sensitive information, such as passwords or personal data, or to click on a link that installs malware on their device.
The social engineering technique is even more popular among cybercriminals because it can be relatively easy to execute compared to more technically advanced attacks. It requires little or no technical expertise, investment, and relies entirely on the attacker’s ability to convince and manipulate their victims.
Dangers of social engineering
The dangers of social engineering are significant and can have serious consequences. They include:
Data breaches: Social engineering attacks can lead to information breaches that cause the theft of sensitive information, such as personal or financial data. This information can be used for identity theft, fraud or other malicious activities.
Financial loss: Social engineering attacks can trick people into giving away their financial information, such as credit card details or bank account passwords. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal money from their victims.
Malware infections: Social engineering attacks can also be used to spread malware, such as viruses, Trojan horses or Ransom. Once installed on the victim’s computer, the malware can steal data, damage files, or even take over the system.
Damage to reputation: Social engineering attacks can also damage the reputation of a person or company. For example, if a hacker gains access to a company’s social media account and posts inappropriate content, it can damage the company’s image and cause a loss of trust among customers.
Psychological effect: Social engineering attacks can have a psychological effect on victims. For example, victims may feel violated, embarrassed or angry after falling for a social engineering attack. They may also experience anxiety or stress as they try to correct the situation and prevent further damage.
How to prevent social engineering attacks
Beware of unsolicited inquiries: Do not share sensitive information, no matter who or how it is requested. Information such as usernames, passwords or financial details are not shared with anyone.
Verify the identity of the person requesting information: Always thoroughly verify the identity of the person requesting information, especially if it is via email or phone call. Check their email address or caller ID, and if in doubt, hang up or skip the email.
Use strong passwords: Make sure you use strong passwords that cannot be easily guessed by others. Use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
Regularly update your software: All popular software regularly push updates and fixes to protect and provide a smoother experience. Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches and software updates to minimize vulnerabilities.
Be careful what you share online: Avoid sharing sensitive information online, such as your full name, address and date of birth, as it can be used to launch a full-scale social engineering attack.
Educate yourself: Since social engineering targets human vulnerability, it is very important to learn about the different types of social engineering attacks and how to identify them. This knowledge will help you identify potential attacks and avoid falling victim to them.
Use two-factor authentication: Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for attackers to gain access to your accounts.
By taking these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to social engineering attacks.
Social engineering is an extremely effective technique for cybercriminals because it targets the weakest link in any security system: humans. Even with the best security measures, it is difficult to defend against a well-executed social engineering attack.
To protect against social engineering attacks, individuals and organizations need to be vigilant, educate themselves and their employees about these tactics, and implement security measures such as two-factor authentication and firewalls.
Overall, social engineering attacks can be devastating for both individuals and organizations. It is important to be aware of the different types of social engineering attacks and take steps to protect yourself and your sensitive information.
