9 Common Social Engineering Attacks Explained

Human error remains a key vulnerability in cybersecurity, making it essential to understand social engineering tactics. These attacks exploit human psychology, tricking individuals into disclosing confidential information and serving as the foundation for many cyber threats—from phishing scams to advanced techniques like spear phishing and water-holing.

Here are nine of the most common types of social engineering attacks that organizations should be aware of to improve their defenses.

1. Phishing

Phishing attacks are some of the most common social engineering tactics, using deceptive emails, websites, or messages to steal sensitive information. Despite growing cybersecurity awareness, phishing remains effective because attackers use urgent, familiar, or convincing messages that catch users off-guard. To mitigate phishing risks, many organizations are turning to phishing simulations to help employees recognize and resist these scams.

2. Spear Phishing

Spear phishing takes phishing to a more targeted level by using specific information about an individual or organization to make attacks more credible. Attackers might create emails that appear to be from a trusted colleague or partner, convincing high-level targets to share sensitive information. Because of its targeted nature, spear phishing is particularly challenging to detect, making advanced security awareness training crucial.

3. Baiting

Baiting uses enticing offers or items—real or virtual—to lure individuals into a trap. A common tactic is to leave infected USB drives in public spaces or offer attractive online downloads that are actually malicious. This type of attack preys on human curiosity and desire for rewards, making it effective and dangerous. Reducing the risk of baiting requires regular training that emphasizes safe practices and vigilance.

4. Malware

Malware is often distributed through emails designed to appear urgent or alarming, prompting recipients to download malicious software. For example, fake notifications claiming that a user’s device is infected may offer a “solution” that is actually malware. To guard against malware, malware awareness training and robust antivirus software are essential.

5. Pretexting

In pretexting, attackers create a convincing scenario to gain the target's trust. They often impersonate trusted entities, such as banks or utility companies, and craft a detailed story to persuade the victim to share sensitive information. This method frequently targets sectors like finance and utilities, where attackers can build credibility through familiarity. Verifying identities and questioning unusual requests can help minimize pretexting risks.

6. Quid Pro Quo

Quid pro quo attacks offer something in return for information. Attackers might impersonate IT support personnel, offering to help solve “technical issues” as a way to trick users into giving away credentials. To prevent this, organizations should educate employees about verifying the identity of those requesting access or offering help.

7. Tailgating

Tailgating exploits people’s natural inclination to be polite and helpful, allowing unauthorized individuals to enter secure areas by simply following a legitimate employee. For instance, an attacker might pose as a delivery person and walk in as an employee opens a secure door. To counteract tailgating, organizations should enforce strict access control policies and train employees to question unknown individuals attempting to gain access.

8. Vishing

Vishing (voice phishing) uses phone calls to trick victims into providing sensitive information. Attackers may impersonate law enforcement, banks, or company officials, creating a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action. Encouraging employees to verify callers’ identities before sharing sensitive information can significantly reduce the success of vishing attacks.

9. Water-Holing

Water-holing attacks involve infecting specific websites frequently visited by targeted groups, allowing attackers to compromise multiple users who access these sites. This tactic is especially common in sectors like finance and healthcare, where attackers target widely visited sites. To defend against water-holing, organizations should encourage safe browsing practices and restrict employee access to sensitive websites when possible.

How Does Social Engineering Work?

Social engineering relies on the human tendency to trust and respond to others’ requests, which can create major security risks. For instance, in a spear phishing incident, an employee might be tricked by a realistic email into approving a large, unauthorized financial transaction. Such breaches can lead to severe financial and reputational losses, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security awareness training.

Common Emotional Triggers Used in Social Engineering

Understanding the emotional triggers that attackers exploit can help individuals and organizations better recognize and resist social engineering tactics.

Let’s dive into some of the most common triggers.

1. Fear

Fear-based attacks leverage alarming messages to provoke quick decisions. For example, attackers may leave voicemails about alleged tax issues to pressure recipients into taking immediate action.

2. Greed

Social engineering attacks that target greed may promise quick financial gains in exchange for personal information. These tactics often appear in the form of fraudulent investment opportunities or “too-good-to-be-true” rewards.

3. Curiosity

Curiosity-driven attacks play on individuals’ natural desire to explore the unknown. Attackers may send emails with sensational headlines and malware-laden attachments to lure recipients into clicking.

4. Helpfulness

Attackers also prey on the desire to be helpful, especially in a professional setting. An example could be an email urgently requesting a password or other information under the guise of “support needs.”

5. Urgency

Urgency is a powerful motivator in social engineering, as recipients feel pressured to act quickly without verifying details. Attackers often pose as customer support agents, urging recipients to respond immediately to avoid alleged consequences.

How to Protect Against Social Engineering Attacks

Protecting against social engineering requires awareness, effective policies, and the right tools. Here are some critical steps for defending against these tactics:

• Verify sources: Always confirm the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information or immediate action.
• Train employees regularly: Conduct ongoing cybersecurity awareness training sessions to keep employees updated on emerging threats.
• Use phishing simulations: Phishing simulators test employee awareness and help them recognize phishing attempts in real scenarios.
• Leverage a Cyber Security Hub: Regularly tap into a centralized security hub for the latest insights and tools to defend against social engineering tactics.

Adopt the Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform

The Keepnet Human Risk Management Platform provides an integrated suite of tools, including Security Awareness Training and a Phishing Simulator, to offer comprehensive protection against social engineering threats.

Through Keepnet’s targeted security awareness training, your organization can achieve up to a 92% reduction in high-risk security behavior. These tools empower you to analyze risk factors, educate employees, and build strong defenses to safeguard your workforce against today’s sophisticated attacks.