January Recap: All You Need to Know About Social Engineering

This month, we covered a range of topics concerning social engineering. Social engineering is now considered one of the most prevalent risks when it comes to online security. Most hackers rely heavily on social engineering tactics to lure unsuspecting users to divulge information.

It sounds complicated but it's nothing more than the practice of manipulating people into revealing information through the use of false pretenses. It often creates a sense of urgency, fear or excitement, playing with people's emotions to get them to do exactly what the hackers want them to do. In case you missed any of them, here is a brief summary.

Week 1: What Is Social Engineering and How Can It Affect Your Business?

We discussed the basics of social engineering and how the different types of attacks are used to exploit unsuspecting victims. We also looked at what makes up a successful social engineering attack and how attackers might use modern technology to increase their reach. Specifically, attackers may utilize deception techniques such as phishing emails or malicious links in order to gain access to personal information or data. Additionally, attackers may use impersonation tactics in order to manipulate their target into giving away information or credentials.

Social engineering is the infiltration of something secure, intending to acquire information or secure access through cunning means. With the use of modern technology, social engineering is now possible with the victims not even knowing. If you are caught unprepared, as a result, this could potentially lead to the downfall of your business. With awareness and the presence of mind, you can easily avoid becoming a victim. One of the commonly used methods is tailgating or entering the premises on the pretense that they are an authorized entity.

Simple practices like refraining from opening suspicious-looking emails and attachments would be very helpful. It is also advisable to implement multifactor authentication in all your systems and to keep your antivirus software updated. Click here to read more of our week-1 blog defining what exactly social engineering is.

Week 2: Where Does Social Engineering Scams Come from?

In order to prevent these attacks from being successful, it is important for users to remain aware and educated about cybersecurity best practices and protocols. This includes implementing strong passwords that include both upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters; avoiding suspicious links through email or messaging services; and utilizing two-factor authentication measures when possible–for example, when accessing accounts online or over public Wi-Fi networks. Users should also use secure VPNs whenever possible to protect their remote data..

There are more than 4.74 billion social media users today. Hackers are using social media to entice unsuspecting users into their traps. They create fake accounts that are used in either of the following four ways:. MIPs are bare profiles, usually with seductive profile photos that are meant to get people interested enough to add them as a contact. A hacker will then use this fake MIP to send malware through messenger or post malicious links on your wall. Fully Invested Profiles are intended purpose of fully invested profiles is the same as those created for MIPs. Click here to read more of our week-2 blog about the origin of social engineering.

Week 3: The Top 5 Ways Cybercriminals Use Social Engineering

Finally, we presented best practices for staying safe online when encountering suspicious links or other potentially dangerous content. For example, links in messages can lead to malicious sites with malware that could compromise users' personal information and devices. It is also important for users not to respond immediately if they receive an unexpected message from someone they do not know or recognize – even if it appears legitimate – as this could be an attempt by adversaries to gain access to sensitive data via impersonation techniques.

Cybercriminals use social engineering to play on victims' emotions and gain their trust. There are a number of different ways that cybercriminals manipulate their victims online. Phishing is by far the most common and most effective tactic that hackers use in social engineering. This is where the hacker pretends to be someone that the victim knows, then asks for their login details. There are so many ways that cybercriminals use social engineering for malicious intent these days. Piggybacking, also known as tailgating, is when someone discreetly follows an authorized person into a restricted area of the building. As a business owner, it is crucial to ensure that you educate all your employees fully when it comes to social engineering attacks and other cybercrimes. Click here to read more of our week-3 blog and the top 5 social engineering threats.

By following these tips and remaining vigilant about potential attacks, everyone can make sure to stay safe online! Give us a call if you think you need help strengthening your business against attacks.