What Does 'Social Engineering' Mean?

Social engineering is a term used to describe the psychological manipulation of individuals into performing actions or divulging sensitive information. It is a tactic often used by hackers and cybercriminals to gain access to systems, networks, or personal information.

There are several techniques that can be used in social engineering attacks, including phishing, baiting, pretexting, scareware, and quid pro quo.

Phishing is a form of social engineering where hackers send fake emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a government agency. These messages usually contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, either installs malware on the victim’s device or directs them to a fake website where they are prompted to enter sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information.

Baiting is a technique where hackers offer something desirable, such as free software or access to exclusive content, in exchange for personal information or login credentials.

Pretexting is a form of social engineering where the attacker creates a fake identity or scenario to trick the victim into providing sensitive information. This could involve posing as a customer service representative or an IT support staff member in order to gain access to a person’s account or personal information.

Scareware is a type of social engineering attack where the victim is shown a fake warning message, usually claiming that their computer is infected with a virus or has been hacked. The victim is then prompted to download software or enter personal information in order to “fix” the problem.

Quid pro quo is a form of social engineering where the attacker offers something in exchange for sensitive information or access to a system. For example, an attacker may offer technical support in exchange for login credentials or access to a victim’s computer.

It is important to be aware of social engineering tactics and to be cautious when providing personal information or accessing sensitive systems.

Some ways to protect yourself from social engineering attacks include being skeptical of unexpected emails or messages, verifying the identity of the sender, and not clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. It is also a good idea to use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts and to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.