What is a social engineering attack? Social engineering attacks refer to a wide range of tactics that rely on human error rather than vulnerabilities in systems. Hackers employ social engineering to trick users into getting money, collecting sensitive information, or installing malware on their computer systems.
In this article, we will explore critical types of social engineering attacks and how you can prevent them. Let’s dive in:
Social Engineering Attacks – An Overview
Humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity. It often requires time, talent, and high-tech resources to find a vulnerability in systems and exploit it. But human hacking is a lot easier than that.
There is no surprise that 95% of cybersecurity issues are traced to human error. Hackers or threat actors take advantage of human behavior and natural tendencies to trick them into gathering sensitive information, obtaining money, or installing malicious software.
There are four predictable phases of most social engineering attacks:
- Hackers gather necessary information about their targets. The more information hackers have, the better prepared they are to trick users
- In the second phase, hackers try to build rapport and relationships with their target through a variety of tactics
- In the third phase, hackers or threat actors will infiltrate the target using information and rapport
- The fourth phase is the closure phase – once hackers get money or sensitive data like login credentials or bank account information, they end the interaction in a way to avoid suspicion
Social engineering attacks cost companies big money. Social engineer, Evaldas Rimasauskas, stole over$100 million from Facebook and Google through social engineering. In another social engineering attack, the UK energy company lost $243,000 to fraudsters.
With small businesses having more security awareness, hackers are likely to employ social engineering schemes more to exploit human behavior.
In fact, social engineering, according to ISACA’s State of Cybersecurity Report, is the leading method of cyberattacks.
Social Engineering Techniques to be Aware Of
Here are frequently used social engineering tactics threat actors employ to trick users into getting money or divulging sensitive information:
- Baiting Attacks
- Quid pro Quo
- Phishing Attacks
- Spear Phishing Attacks
- Scareware Threats
- Pretexting Scams
- Tailgating
Baiting Attacks
Baiting attacks exploit humans’ greed, curiosity, and fear. In such an attack, hackers create enticing bait for the target to take it. As the victim goes for the bait, their computer system gets infected.
Threat actors conduct baiting attacks through both – physical media and digital forms.
In a physical batting attack, a hacker would leave physical media (like an infected pen drive or CD) on the company’s premises to be discovered by its employees.
The media would have names like the Employee Bonus Scheme or something like that. Once any employee plays this infected media on their system, it will infect the system. And through the internal network, it can infect other systems as well.
Cybercriminals can create a fake website having a malicious link to download a popular TV series or a movie for free. When someone clicks on such a link, it can install malware on their system.
Quid pro Quo
Quid pro quo attacks capitalize on a basic human tendency to reciprocate favors. By offering seemingly beneficial assistance or advice, hackers exploit individuals’ willingness to return the favor.
In the context of cyberattacks, this “favor” might be permitting remote access, downloading an unknown file, or divulging sensitive information. These attacks prey on the unsuspecting nature of people, often portraying themselves as tech support or customer care agents.
By understanding the mechanisms behind these attacks, individuals can be better prepared to recognize red flags, ask the right questions, and resist being manipulated by malicious actors.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent and potent forms of cyberattack. At its core, phishing exploits human psychology, particularly trust and curiosity.
By mimicking the visual cues and tone of legitimate businesses, hackers craft persuasive messages that dupe recipients into taking desired actions. These actions can range from inputting login credentials on sham websites to downloading malware-laden attachments.
With advances in technology, these counterfeit sites and messages have become increasingly sophisticated, making it even more challenging for the average user to differentiate between genuine and fraudulent communications.
The best defense against phishing lies in continuous education, awareness, and staying updated with the latest cyber threats. Using multi-factor authentication and verifying any suspicious communication through official channels are also effective ways to guard against phishing attacks
According to a CISCO report, 86% of companies reported having an employee trying to connect to a phishing website. The report also stated that phishing attacks accounted for 90% of data breaches.
Educating your employees about how to spot phishing websites and installing an anti-phishing tool to filter phishing emails can effectively prevent phishing attacks.
Spear Phishing Attacks
Unlike generic phishing attempts, spear phishing is highly targeted and often meticulously researched. Attackers can spend considerable time studying their potential victim, gathering information from social media profiles, organizational websites, or other public sources.
The gathered details make the fraudulent communication seem more credible and relevant, thus increasing the likelihood of the target taking the bait.
It’s crucial for individuals to exercise extreme caution when responding to unsolicited emails, especially when they contain hyperlinks or request confidential information.
Periodic training sessions on email security for staff members can also help in recognizing and warding off such attacks.
Scareware Threats
The effectiveness of scareware is rooted in its ability to generate a sense of urgency and panic. By making users believe their systems are infected or at risk, attackers rush them into hasty decisions, bypassing their typical cautious behavior.
What makes scareware even more dangerous is its evolution: from simple pop-up ads to sophisticated programs that mimic legitimate system warnings.
Regularly backing up essential data, staying informed about current scareware tactics, and avoiding panic-driven decisions can be instrumental in staying protected against such threats.
Pretexting Scams
Pretexting is a crafty technique where the scam artist becomes a storyteller, weaving narratives designed to lull victims into a false sense of security. These scams are dangerous because they’re often intertwined with truth, making the deception harder to spot.
It’s essential to foster a culture of skepticism, especially when receiving unsolicited communications. Encouraging staff and individuals to ask probing questions and to double-check any suspicious claims can thwart pretexting efforts.
Tailgating
In a tailgating attack, an unauthorized person exploits human trust to enter secured premises. Without genuine access rights, they closely follow an authorized individual into areas like employee workstations, server rooms, or other restricted zones.
Typically, attackers use diversion tactics, such as pretending to carry a cumbersome box, mimicking a fellow employee, or even portraying a maintenance worker. For instance, imagine a person struggling with a large package at your company’s main entrance.
An empathetic employee, trying to be helpful, opens the door with their access card, inadvertently granting access to a potential threat. This act of kindness, although well-intentioned, can lead to security breaches, data theft, or other malicious activities.
To mitigate such risks, it’s crucial to instill a robust security culture, emphasizing the importance of challenging unfamiliar faces and enforcing rigorous digital and physical authentication measures.
A Comparison of Social Engineering Techniques
Understanding the diverse techniques of social engineering attacks is crucial for prevention. Below, we’ve compiled a comparison table to provide a concise overview of these techniques, their descriptions, and recommended preventive measures.
| Technique | Description | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Baiting | Uses enticing bait to introduce malware. | Be cautious of unknown downloads or physical media. |
| Quid pro Quo | Offers fake tech solutions for data access. | Avoid unsolicited tech help. |
| Phishing | Sends counterfeit emails or messages resembling legitimate sources. | Educate employees; use anti-phishing tools. |
| Spear Phishing | Targeted phishing at specific individuals or entities. | Train employees on latest spear phishing tactics. |
| Scareware | Uses fear-driven pop-ups leading to malware or fake purchases. | Update browsers; use reputable antivirus. |
| Pretexting | Impersonates authorities to obtain personal data. | Verify authenticity of requests. |
| Tailgating | Gains unauthorized access by following authorized personnel. | Enforce strict authentication policies. |
What is the Most Common Way Social Engineers Gain Access?
Phishing is the most common way social engineers employ to trick users into clicking malicious links or visiting malicious websites to spread malware.
Social engineers often make phishing attempts through emails, social media sites, phone calls, or text messages to exploit human error.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Social Engineering?
The following are some proven tactics for preventing social engineering attacks:
1. Train Your Employees
Social engineering attacks exploit human behavior and natural tendencies. Therefore, training your team members goes a long way to building a positive security culture.
Make sure you train your employees to:
- Avoid opening emails and attachments from unknown sources
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information over the phone
- Be careful of tempting offers
- Learn about malicious software like rogue scanner software
- Avoid sharing personally identifiable information on social networking sites
You can also hire an outside security consultant to conduct workshops on cybersecurity
2. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication
Cybersecurity in your business depends significantly on authentication methods your employees and vendors use.
To strengthen security, you should enforce multi-factor authentication. It is an effective way to allow access to legitimate users and keep cyber criminals away.
3. Install Anti-Virus Software
Leading antivirus and antimalware software can help prevent malware from coming through emails. Also, a good tool can warn your employees when they stumble upon a malicious site.
4. Evaluate Your Preparedness
You should regularly test your defense against social engineering attacks. Practicing and running drills from time to time can help your team members better prepare for any social engineering attack.
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