What is Social Engineering? How to Prevent It?

In 2024, social engineering attacks have become one of the most prevalent threats in the cybersecurity landscape, compromising businesses and individuals alike. Cyber security social engineering is not just a technical problem; it is about manipulating human psychology to access sensitive information. Understanding what is social engineering and knowing how to prevent it can be the difference between security and a costly breach.

Social engineering exploits human psychology to deceive individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. Recent data highlights the significant financial, operational, and reputational impacts of such attacks:

In 2023, social engineering attacks accounted for 29% of data breaches, with companies experiencing average losses of $130,000 due to direct financial theft or data destruction.

The European Central Bank's 2023 cyber stress test revealed that banks face substantial operational disruptions from cyber attacks, including those initiated through social engineering, indicating significant room for improvement in managing such incidents.

In 2023, Transport for London suffered a cyber attack, leading to an investigation by the National Crime Agency; although services continued, the incident raised concerns about system vulnerabilities and impacted public trust.

These examples underscore the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and employee training to mitigate the risks associated with social engineering attacks.

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering refers to the manipulation of individuals into giving away sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their security. Unlike hacking methods that target technical vulnerabilities, social engineering in cyber security takes advantage of human emotions—like trust, fear, or curiosity. The goal is often to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal personal data, or execute financial fraud.

In simpler terms, social engineering meaning involves psychological manipulation that tricks people into making security mistakes or giving away confidential information.

How Social Engineering Works?

In a social engineering attack, the attacker starts by gathering as much information as possible about their target. This could be done through public sources like social media or by impersonating trusted individuals. Once enough data is collected, the attacker creates a scenario—whether through email, a phone call, or even in person—that pressures the target to act without thinking.

For example, social engineering phishing emails often mimic legitimate organizations, urging recipients to click on malicious links or download harmful attachments. The key to success for these attacks lies in the psychological pressure they place on the victim, convincing them that they must act immediately or suffer consequences.

What Are The Social Engineering Attack Techniques?

There are several social engineering types of attacks, each designed to exploit different human emotions or behaviors. Below, we outline the most common social engineering techniques.

Baiting

Attackers use baiting by offering something appealing, such as free software, gift cards, or physical items like USB drives, often left in public places like office lobbies or parking lots. The goal is to lure victims into taking the "bait." Once the victim plugs in the USB or downloads the software, they may unknowingly install malware on their device or expose sensitive information, giving the attacker access to their system or personal data. Baiting preys on curiosity and greed, making it an effective form of manipulation.

Scareware

Scareware is a tactic that involves creating a false sense of urgency or fear to trick victims into taking immediate action. Attackers typically use alarming pop-up messages or fake system alerts, claiming that your computer is infected with malware or your personal data has been compromised. The message then urges you to download specific software or click a link to "resolve" the issue, which often leads to downloading malware or exposing sensitive information. Scareware relies on panic and fear to manipulate users into making quick, unverified decisions.

Pretexting

Pretexting is a form of social engineering that involves fabricating a scenario to gain the victim's trust and obtain sensitive information. Attackers often pose as authority figures, such as bank employees, government officials, or IT support, to make their requests seem legitimate. For example, a cybercriminal might call pretending to be from your bank, claiming there is suspicious activity on your account, and asking for verification details like passwords or account numbers. Pretexting manipulates people into believing they are engaging with a trusted entity, making them more likely to disclose confidential information.

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most common and widespread forms of social engineering phishing attacks. Attackers send fraudulent emails, messages, or set up fake websites that look like legitimate organizations, such as banks or well-known companies. These messages often contain urgent requests or instructions, prompting victims to click on links or download files. Once the victim follows the prompts, they may unknowingly provide personal information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers, or download malware that compromises their system. Phishing exploits trust and urgency to steal sensitive data.

Spear phishing

Spear phishing is a more targeted and personalized version of phishing, focusing on specific individuals or organizations. Attackers invest time in researching their target, gathering information from social media, public records, or leaked data to make their messages appear highly credible. For example, they might send an email that looks like it’s from a trusted colleague, including details only that colleague would know. Because these attacks are tailored and appear legitimate, spear phishing can be incredibly dangerous, often leading to data breaches, financial loss, or malware infections.

Quid Pro Quo

In a quid pro quo attack, the attacker promises something of value in exchange for information or access. For instance, an attacker might pose as technical support, offering to resolve a "problem" with your system in exchange for login credentials. The victim, believing they are receiving legitimate help, may provide the requested information, giving the attacker access to sensitive systems or data. Quid pro quo attacks exploit trust and the expectation of receiving something useful or needed in return for compliance.

How to Recognize Social Engineering Attempts?

Recognizing a social engineering attack early can save you from significant damage. Here are some common red flags:

• Unsolicited requests: Be wary of any unexpected requests for sensitive information, especially from unknown sources.
• Urgency or fear: Attackers often create a sense of urgency to rush you into action without thinking critically. If a message is pushing you to act immediately, it’s worth double-checking.
• Suspicious communication: Emails or calls from supposed “authority figures” asking for personal data or financial information should always raise suspicion.
• Unusual offers: If something feels too good to be true—like a free offer in exchange for your personal information—it probably is.

For more detailed examples of how phishing attacks have evolved, check out our article on email security threats.

What Are The Strategies to Prevent Social Engineering?

Protecting against social engineering attacks requires a proactive approach. Follow these strategies to minimize risks and strengthen your defenses:

• Provide regular security awareness training to help your team recognize threats like phishing, pretexting, and scareware.
• Use tools like a phishing simulator to test and improve your team’s ability to spot phishing attempts.
• Implement strong security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Always verify requests for sensitive information, especially from those claiming to be IT support.
• Be cautious with unsolicited messages, treating unexpected requests for information or urgent actions with suspicion.
• Verify links or attachments before clicking or downloading anything.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels unusual or overly urgent, take time to verify its authenticity.

For more tips on staying secure, explore our guide on how to prevent phishing attacks.

Unlock Your Defense Against Social Engineering with Keepnet

Understanding what is social engineering is only the beginning. To build a strong defense, you need the right tools and training. Keepnet offers a comprehensive platform that combines phishing simulations and security awareness training to help your team stay prepared for evolving social engineering attacks.

With Keepnet’s phishing simulator, you can regularly test your employees' ability to recognize and respond to phishing attempts in a safe environment, reinforcing their awareness. Additionally, customized security awareness training ensures your team is equipped to spot and prevent various types of social engineering attacks.

Leverage Keepnet’s tools to reduce your organization's risk by up to 90%. Our platform provides tailored training, phishing simulations, and proactive security measures to keep your business safe from cyber threats.

Train your users today to enhance their awareness and guard against social engineering. Book a demo now to see how Keepnet can help protect your organization from future cyber attacks.

Editor's Note: This blog was updated on December 4, 2024.