Social Engineering: Fun Facts and More!
What is social engineering and can you provide some examples of it?
Social engineering is a tactic used by cyber attackers to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that are not secure. Some examples of social engineering include:
A) Shoulder surfing
B) Phishing attacks
C) Firewall configuration
D) Encryption techniques
E) Tailgating
Social Engineering Examples
Shoulder surfing and tailgating are examples of social engineering. Shoulder surfing involves observing someone's private information without their knowledge, while tailgating refers to the unauthorized access to restricted areas by following someone with access.
Social engineering is a fascinating yet concerning tactic used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or taking actions that can compromise security. Let's delve into the examples mentioned:
Shoulder Surfing
Shoulder surfing occurs when an individual spies on someone to obtain confidential information like passwords or PINs. This sneaky technique is often employed in public places where people input sensitive data on their devices, such as ATMs or login screens.
Tailgating
Tailgating, also known as "piggybacking," involves an unauthorized person following a legitimate individual into a restricted area or system. By closely trailing someone with approved access, the intruder gains entry without detection, potentially compromising security measures.
While phishing attacks, firewall configuration, and encryption techniques are not examples of social engineering, they play crucial roles in safeguarding sensitive data and systems from malicious activities. Stay vigilant and educate yourself on these tactics to protect yourself from falling victim to social engineering schemes!