Social engineering resembles a cunning con artist attempting to deceive you. Cybercriminals uses deceptive language and phony information to fool you into opening the door yourself rather than breaking in by picking locks.
They might ask for your personal information while posing as a friend or bank that you know. Alternatively, they can pretend to be legitimate senders of an email and hope you click on a dangerous link. It’s similar to getting duped into unknowingly handing over your house keys.
Because of this, you should exercise caution and consider your options carefully before disclosing sensitive information or clicking on unknown websites. Stay vigilant against these internet scammers at all times!

Let’s checkout some Social Engineering Tactics

1.Phishing

One of the most prevalent types of social engineering is phishing. It includes sending fraudulent communication, it messages, or webpages that mimic authoritative sources. The intention is to fool the recipient into exposing private data, like credit card numbers, usernames, and passwords. Phishing may occur in a number of ways:
– Email Phishing: Attackers impersonate reputable companies or people in emails, frequently including threatening or urgent messages meant to elicit quick response.

Example: An email that looks like it’s from a bank, asking the recipient to verify their account information by clicking a link.

– Spear Phishing: A more focused type of phishing in which perpetrators investigate their targets and craft incredibly tailored communications to increase their persuasiveness.

Example: An email addressed to a specific employee that references their recent work or projects.

– Whaling: A kind of phishing assault where the goal is to obtain extremely sensitive information by targeting prominent targets such as CEOs or executives.

– Vishing (Voice Phishing): Consists of calls purporting to be from reputable companies in an attempt to persuade victims to divulge personal information.

2. Pretextualization

Pretexting is the process of fabricating a situation (pretext) in order to influence a victim to reveal information or do acts against their better judgment. The attacker frequently assumes the identity of a person in a position of trust or authority, such as a law enforcement officer, bank official, or IT support. Pretexting success largely depends on the attacker’s capacity to create and uphold credibility.

Example: An attacker impersonating a company IT support staff member to request login credentials.

3. Baiting

Baiting uses an alluring promise, usually one of something free or desirable, to entice people into a trap. Leaving a USB stick with malware in a public area and labeling it with something enticing, such “Confidential” or “Salary Information,” is a popular example. The malware is activated when a gullible individual plugs the gadget into their computer, granting the attacker access to the system.

Example: Leaving a USB drive labeled “Confidential” in a public place, hoping someone will plug it into their computer.

4. Quid Pro Quo

This strategy is providing something in return for access or knowledge. An attacker could, for instance, pretend to be IT assistance and promise to solve a problem in exchange for login information. Attacks known as quid pro quo are particularly effective in settings where individuals are used to offering and accepting assistance.

5. Piggybacking, or tailgating

When someone enters a restricted location behind an authorized person without the necessary authorization, this is known as tailgating. This can occur digitally, when an attacker uses someone else’s credentials to access a system, or physically, like following someone into a secure building. Attackers frequently take advantage of the victim’s decency, such holding the door open for someone who seems like they belong.

Example: An attacker waiting for an employee to enter a secure building and then entering right behind them.

6. Impersonation

By impersonating someone else, the attacker tries to win over the victim’s trust. This can take place via internet communication, phone conversations, or in-person meetings. This strategy is frequently employed by attackers to gain access to data, systems, or restricted regions. To trick the victim, they could pose as a friend, coworker, or customer support agent.

Example: An attacker posing as a delivery person to gain access to a restricted area.

7. Dumpster Diving

Dumpster diving is the practice of going through someone’s trash in search of passwords, account numbers, or other private information. This approach, though low-tech in appearance, can be surprisingly successful, particularly if people discard confidential information irresponsibly.

8. Social Engineering in Reverse

In reverse social engineering, the perpetrator sets up a scenario in which the victim approaches them for assistance, as opposed to the other way around. Typically, this is accomplished by first creating an issue (such as the spread of a virus) and then positioning the attacker as the fix. By asking for assistance, the victim gives the attacker their trust and opens the door to possibly sensitive data.

Defending Against Social Engineering

1. Awareness and Education:

The best protection against social engineering is education, which teaches people how to spot suspicious activity and react accordingly. Frequent security awareness training that covers the most recent strategies employed by social engineers have to be offered.

2. Systems for Verification:

Many social engineering assaults can be avoided with the implementation of stringent verification procedures. For example, if someone asks for critical information or access, you should always confirm their identification, especially if they do so over the phone or over email.

3. MFA: Multiple Factor Authentication:

By demanding two or more kinds of verification before providing access, MFA adds an extra layer of protection. MFA can stop unwanted access even if a social engineer manages to get their hands on login credentials.

4. Incident Reporting:

Promote the reporting of suspicious activity as a culture. Workers ought to be at ease disclosing such instances of social engineering without worrying about facing consequences. Reporting an attack as soon as possible will help contain and lessen its effects.

5. Reduce Access and Privileges:

Make sure that people only have the access and privileges that are required for them to carry out their jobs. In the event that a social engineering attack is successful, this lessens the possible harm.

6. Shred Sensitive papers:

To stop information from leaking through dumpster diving, sensitive papers should be destroyed by shredding them first.

Final Thoughts

Attackers can leverage social engineering as a potent technique to take advantage of weaknesses in others. It is imperative for individuals and organizations to comprehend the diverse strategies utilized in these assaults in order to safeguard themselves. The dangers of social engineering can be greatly decreased by developing a security-aware culture, putting strong verification procedures in place, and regularly training staff members.

Afreen Sayyad

Cyber Hustler || Cyber Security Analyst || Certified Penetration Tester || CCIO CPEW

Skilled and motivated penetration tester with a strong foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals and a passion for learning and growing.