Social engineering is a technique used to manipulate and deceive people:
95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error.
Malicious actors exploit human psychology to gain private information, access or valuables. Social engineering attacks usually involve a series of highly-calculated steps. Social engineers invest weeks or months into nurturing a slow-building relationship with their victims.
Their attacks are not always related to cybersecurity. They work just as well in person, over the phone, social media or email. There are multiple types of social engineering: Phishing Vishing Smishing Baiting Shoulder Surfing Dumpster Diving Scareware Tailgating Pretexting Quid Pro Quo Watering Hole Honeytrap Rogue Diversion Theft CEO Fraud. They can be costly for individuals and organizations alike. Direct Financial loss Business Disruption Reputation Damage If you don’t pay attention to what you click on and to whom you talk over the internet you may be next.
