How do cybercriminals use social engineering to gain access?

Social engineering enables unauthorized access by manipulating people into disclosing confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. This can include tricks like phishing emails, pretexting phone calls, or impersonation to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive data or granting access.

Users can recognize and block social engineering attempts by:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited communication: Users should be wary of unexpected emails, messages, or calls asking for sensitive information or urgent actions.

2. Verify before sharing information: Before providing any sensitive data or credentials, users should verify the identity of the requester by contacting them through a known, reputable method.

3. Educate on common tactics: Awareness training can help users recognize common social engineering techniques and red flags.

4. Use multi-factor authentication: Implementing an extra layer of security, like multi-factor authentication, can help block unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised.

5. Regularly update security software: Ensuring that security software is up to date can help prevent malware attacks that often accompany social engineering attempts.

If you suspect a social engineering attempt, report it to your organization’s IT department or security team immediately.