Social Engineering Attacks: The Human Side of Cybersecurity

What Is Social Engineering?

• Explain that social engineering is the art of manipulating people into revealing confidential information.
• It’s not about code—it’s about trust.
• Common methods include emails, phone calls, fake websites, or even someone pretending to be IT support.

🧠 Example:

• A fake “password reset” email that looks like it’s from your company’s admin.
• A scammer posing as your boss on WhatsApp asking for “urgent gift cards.”

🧩 Part 2: Common Types of Social Engineering Attacks

1. Phishing – fake emails that steal credentials.
2. Vishing – voice phishing via phone calls.
3. Smishing – phishing through SMS.
4. Pretexting – creating a fake story to gain access.
5. Tailgating – physically following someone into a restricted area.

🛡️ Part 3: Why It Works – The Psychology Behind It

• Hackers prey on emotions like fear, urgency, curiosity, and authority.
• They know people trust brands, managers, and friends.
• Even trained employees can fall for it when under pressure.

🔐 Part 4: How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
✅ Double-check sender emails and URLs.
✅ Don’t share sensitive info over chat or email.
✅ Enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication).
✅ Train your team regularly on cybersecurity awareness.
✅ Verify requests through a secondary communication channel.