Cybersecurity attacks have taken many forms in today’s world, one of which is Social engineering. Social engineering is evolving in many forms and is very common nowadays. Since not many people know about it, being a victim of this is not a shocker. Individuals and organizations should always be aware of such threats to protect their privacy.
What is Social Engineering?
Falling right into a trap of one’s mind game, but, on the internet is one way of putting what Social Engineering is. It is the psychological manipulation of human interaction to gather sensitive information. This process can take one or more steps to be completed.
This type of attacker focuses on gathering information by making individuals believe they are achieving something of their interest but in reality, they are being deceived. These attackers deceive a person using various techniques such as phishing, baiting, whaling, etc they only require human interaction.
Social Engineering Attacks. Image Credit: arcticwolf
Types of Social Engineering
Every individual or organization must be alert and know how they could be approached or assaulted. Here are some forms of attacks commonly used by such deceivers.
Whaling
Whaling is a type of social engineering assault that is performed by professional attackers. The target of such attackers are individuals who are on top levels of designations, management of government agencies, or big companies. They usually target one such individual. Since it is a personalized attack, much research is done by stalking the target’s social media and public behaviors. Such attacks can come in the form of emails or messages stating fake emergencies or time-ridden opportunities in order to get access to the user’s device. Since it is risky and requires a lot of effort, such attackers are paid very highly.
Phishing
One of the most common types of attack is phishing, similar to whaling. In the case of phishing an attack comes in the form of links that may ask for your passwords or credit card details. Such links can be in the form of important emails or messages from customer service. The attackers gather sufficient information before making their move. Hence, they know what kind of emergencies or needs the target has. Thus, forming the emails according to their needs including the scamming link. It could also come in the form of an alert stating fake logins and asking to change current credentials through the following link. By providing such details, the target falls right into the trap.
Baiting
Luring someone into a trap of false promises can be one way of defining Baiting. Such attackers make their move in the form of promoting online campaigns or offering free music downloads or free movies, etc. These attacks proceed to ask for personal information in order to gain access to the offers. Baiting can also be done in a physical form. The attackers infect a flash drive and place it somewhere the target could see it. The moment the victim inserts such a drive in their computer to find out about the owner, the malware installs itself automatically.
Forms of Social Engineering.
Pretexting
This type of Social Engineering requires direct human interaction in most cases. Pretexting is a cleverly planned lie in order to gain the trust of the victim. So as to get their sensitive details. Such an act can be done by luring one into a series of lies making them believe they are getting benefitted. For example, the attacker can interact as a bank official or an auditor who may ask various questions. Then ask for confidential details such as credentials credit card or financial information. They might lure an individual by claiming they would provide banking or other services as required by the victim if the victim provides the requested information.
Honeytrap
Beware! Online dating apps are no place to find true love but surely true trouble. Attacks that come in the form of befriending and having love interests from dating apps by someone who is faking a persona are known as honey trapping. Such attackers create a fake persona online and befriend people who are looking for a romantic turn in their lives. Using such vulnerability the attackers form a deep connection with the victim. Of course! Only from the victim’s side. Taking advantage of such connections and trust, these attackers extract money from the victims and gather passwords and other details as well.
Social Engineering. Image Credit: forbes
Prevention of Social Engineering Attacks
Social Engineers take advantage of human needs and preferences so as to make their move. Of course, modern problems require modern solutions. One must be smart enough to recognize when they are being deceived before succumbing to the attacks. Sure, there are various useful methods to do so. Some of them are stated below.
- Staying aware of Emails. One must not open emails from unknown senders and especially not open links from such unknown sources. Also, beware of suspicious email attachments.
- Always use Two-factor authentication. Using the two-factor authenticator one can protect their system from being invaded. The attackers try to seek the user’s credentials but in such cases, even in crisis, the system can be protected.
- Strong antivirus or antimalware system. Keep your system in check regularly. Scan for any kind of virus or infection on a regular basis to avoid unwanted system invasions.
- Verify the identities of strangers while talking. Make sure you know whom you’re talking to. Check their authenticity by some alternate way of contact or references before providing details or money to them.
- Don’t fall for tempting offers. Online offers of any kind such as discounts and free apps or games may look tempting but think twice before entering your card details or personal information to avail them. The attackers can make an offer to provide games or apps in exchange for your account passwords or card credentials.
One can be easily exploited by such trickeries if they are not careful enough. One should stay alert on their system every time and not avoid unusual activities. Adapting such preventive habits can be useful in a sense of security and save a lot of time as well.