Social engineering is a psychological manipulation technique used by attackers to trick people into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. Instead of hacking systems, social engineers target human vulnerabilities.
Common Tactics
- Phishing: Sending fake emails or messages that appear legitimate to steal credentials or data.
- Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to extract information.
- Baiting: Offering something enticing (like free software) to lure victims into a trap.
- Tailgating: Gaining unauthorized access to physical locations by following someone with proper access.
How to Protect Yourself
- Be Skeptical: Question unsolicited requests for sensitive information.
- Verify Sources: Contact organizations directly to confirm communications.
- Educate Yourself: Learn to recognize suspicious behaviors or requests.
- Enable Security Measures: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and keep systems updated.
Social engineering preys on trust and curiosity. Stay vigilant to outsmart attackers!
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