Social Engineering: Manipulation Techniques

One of the most dangerous, and often misunderstood, forms of cyberattack is social engineering. Rather than exploiting a vulnerability in software, social engineering attacks target the human element, tricking individuals into giving up sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their security.

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What is Social Engineering?

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Before we start, just watch this video, it’s probably one of the best examples out there:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc7scxvKQOo

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Social engineering is a manipulation technique that cybercriminals use to trick people into revealing confidential information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or access to secure systems. These attacks rely on psychological manipulation and are designed to exploit human nature, such as our tendency to trust others or react impulsively in certain situations.

Instead of hacking into a computer system, social engineers rely on deceiving people into giving them the information they need to gain unauthorized access.

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Common Social Engineering Tactics

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Cybercriminals have developed a variety of tactics to manipulate victims. Below are some of the most common social engineering techniques:

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1. Phishing?

Phishing is one of the most widely known forms of social engineering. In a phishing attack, a scammer sends an email, text message, or direct message that appears to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or trusted company. The message often contains a link that leads to a fake website designed to look like the real thing. The victim is then prompted to enter their sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details.

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Example: You receive an email that looks like it's from your bank, asking you to verify your account by clicking on a link and logging in. The email looks legitimate, but the link takes you to a fake website designed to capture your login details.

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2. Pretexting?

Pretexting involves a scammer creating a fake scenario, or "pretext," to trick the victim into providing information or taking an action. The attacker might pretend to be a co-worker, an IT support specialist, or even a law enforcement official. By using a believable story, they manipulate the victim into handing over sensitive data or access to systems.

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Example: A caller claims to be from your company's IT department and says they need your login credentials to fix an urgent problem with your account. In reality, they are not from IT and are trying to steal your login information.

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Remember this one?

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3. Baiting?

Baiting involves offering something enticing, like a free download, software, or even a USB drive left in a public place, in exchange for sensitive information or access to a system. Once the victim takes the "bait," they are often tricked into downloading malware or giving away personal details.

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Example: You find a USB drive in the office parking lot labeled "Company Payroll." Curious, you plug it into your computer, only to unknowingly install malware that steals your data.

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Credit: Cybersecurity Ventures

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4. Tailgating (or Piggybacking)?

Tailgating happens when an unauthorized person physically follows an authorized individual into a secure area. Attackers may pose as delivery personnel or pretend to have lost their ID card. Once inside, they can access sensitive information or systems.

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Example: An attacker waits outside a secure office building and follows an employee through a locked door when they swipe their access card. Inside, the attacker now has access to secure areas.

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Credit: Keepnet

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5. Impersonation?

Cybercriminals may impersonate someone you trust, such as a colleague, boss, or authority figure, to manipulate you into sharing information or taking actions that compromise security. This often happens over email, phone calls, or even in person.

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Example: You get an urgent email from someone posing as your boss, asking you to wire money to a specific account. The email looks legitimate, but it's actually from an imposter trying to steal funds.

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How to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering Attacks

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While social engineering attacks can be sophisticated and hard to detect, there are several ways you can protect yourself:

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1. Be Cautious with Emails and Messages?

Always double-check the sender's email address and look for any signs of phishing, such as misspelled URLs, urgent language, or unexpected attachments. Never click on suspicious links or open attachments from unknown sources.

Credit: ?Marty Bucella via CartoonStock?

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2. Verify Requests for Sensitive Information?

If someone asks for your personal information or login credentials, especially over the phone or email, verify their identity before responding. Call the company or person directly using a known, trusted number instead of the contact information provided in the message.

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3. Don't Share Too Much Information Publicly?

Be mindful of what you share on social media and in public forums. Attackers can use details from your social media profiles to make their attacks more convincing. For example, they might use personal information, like your job title or recent activities, to craft believable phishing emails.

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4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Even if a scammer steals your password, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security. With MFA, you’ll need to verify your identity using a second method, like a text message or authentication app, before gaining access to your accounts.

Credit: Wiser Training

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5. Stay Informed and Educated?

Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their techniques. Stay updated on the latest scams and social engineering tactics. Many companies offer cybersecurity awareness training to help employees recognize and avoid potential threats.

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6. Be Wary of Free Offers?

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid downloading free software or accepting unsolicited offers, especially from unknown sources. These could be baiting attempts to trick you into installing malware.

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7. Watch for Unusual Behavior?

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, like a colleague asking for information they don’t usually need or an email that seems suspicious, trust your instincts. Double-check before taking any action.

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Conclusion

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Social engineering attacks prey on human weaknesses rather than technical vulnerabilities, which is why they can be so effective.

Always stay cautious, question unusual requests, and take your time before reacting to suspicious messages or offers.