Social Engineering Attacks

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🔐 SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS

Definition

Social Engineering is a cyber attack technique that manipulates people psychologically to gain confidential information, system access, or financial benefits.

Instead of hacking systems, attackers hack human behavior.

Why Social Engineering is Dangerous?

  • Targets human emotions

  • Does not require technical hacking skills

  • Very difficult to detect

  • Bypasses security systems

🎯 Goals of Social Engineering

  • Steal passwords

  • Obtain banking information

  • Access confidential company data

  • Install malware

  • Commit financial fraud

🧠 Psychological Principles Used

Attackers exploit:

  • Trust

  • Fear

  • Urgency

  • Curiosity

  • Greed

  • Authority

🔥 Types of Social Engineering Attacks

1️⃣ Phishing

Definition

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted organization.

Example

Fake email from a bank asking to reset password.

Common Forms:

  • Email phishing

  • SMS phishing (Smishing)

  • Voice phishing (Vishing)

2️⃣ Spear Phishing

Definition

A targeted phishing attack aimed at a specific individual or organization.

Example

Fake email addressed personally to a company employee.

3️⃣ Pretexting

Definition

Attacker creates a fake story (pretext) to gain information.

Example

Pretending to be an IT support employee asking for login details.

4️⃣ Baiting

Definition

Offering something attractive to trick victims.

Example

Free movie download link containing malware.

5️⃣ Quid Pro Quo

Definition

Offering a service in exchange for information.

Example

Fake technical support offering help in return for login credentials.

6️⃣ Tailgating (Piggybacking)

Definition

Unauthorized person follows an authorized person into a restricted area.

Example

Someone entering office building without ID card.

7️⃣ Scareware

Definition

Fake security warning to scare users into installing malicious software.

Example

Pop-up saying "Your system is infected! Click here to fix."

📌 Phases of Social Engineering Attack

  1. Information Gathering

  2. Relationship Building

  3. Exploitation

  4. Execution

🚨 Real-World Examples

  • Fake lottery emails

  • Fake bank calls

  • Fake job offers

  • Fake courier delivery messages

  • Fake KYC update messages

🛡 Prevention Methods

For Individuals

  • Never share passwords

  • Verify email sender

  • Avoid clicking unknown links

  • Use two-factor authentication

  • Think before trusting urgent messages

For Organizations

  • Employee awareness training

  • Email filtering system

  • Strong access control

  • Regular security audits

  • Incident response plan

🔎 Social Engineering vs Technical Hacking

Social EngineeringTechnical Hacking
Targets peopleTargets systems
Uses psychologyUses coding skills
Hard to detectDetectable by tools
No malware requiredOften uses malware

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