Social engineering attacks target the first line of defense against cyber threats: you. These types of cyberattacks don’t rely on traditional hacking techniques to gain access to secure resources. Instead, they focus on tricking people into revealing private and vital information which cybercriminals then use to hack into accounts and wreak havoc.
According to The State of Phishing 2024 report, social engineering attacks increased 45% in 2023. With the rise of cybercriminals using AI and ChatGPT to create compelling scams, these cyberattacks are likely to become even more prevalent and reach even more people. Learn the signs that you may be the target of a social engineering attack and how to avoid becoming another victim of these scams.
The Six Principles of Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks can come in all kinds of formats, but how they operate is always the same. Understanding how cybercriminals use this attack to manipulate people into performing actions or divulging sensitive information is the first step to identifying and stopping these types of scams. Specifically look out for these six principles often used in social engineering:
- Reciprocity: Scammers will offer something seemingly beneficial to you in exchange for your information. For example, a scammer could send you a free coupon via email and ask that you create an account and give them your information.
- Commitment & Consistency: People tend to follow through on commitments they’ve previously made. Scammers might pretend to be from a company you do business with and ask you to buy something at a deep discount or provide sensitive information.
- Social Proof: We often let our guards down or see more value in something when we see everyone else doing it, especially if our peers are doing it. For example, cybercriminals may create fake accounts and reviews to convince you others trust their fake business and you should use it.
- Authority: Scammers will sometimes use a fake position of power to convince you to do something.
- Empathy: People tend to follow orders from those they feel a connection with. The scammer works hard to get you to trust them or relate to them using things they might have learned through other social engineering attacks.
- Scarcity: Creates a perception of limited qualities or limited time offers. Scammers try to trick you into buying something at a super low price because its only available for a limited time , creating a high sense of urgency.
Scammers will often deploy these principles or a combination of them in their attacks. And they will use various mediums to steal your data and money.
Common Types of Social Engineering Attacks
Just like how cybercriminals have learned how to hack into secure systems, they’ve also learned how to act to obtain your information. Cybercriminals even view social engineering attacks as easier to perform than traditional hacking methods. Instead of working hard to crack an account password they can pose as a friendly actor and simply ask you for the information. And since 74% of breaches in 2023 were caused by human error, according to Verizon’s 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, it’s important to know what these attacks look like so you can avoid them.
Phishing
Phishing emails are perhaps the most common social engineering attack. By posing as a friend, co-worker, or trusted organization, cybercriminals send emails urgently asking for you to reset your password or take a specific action. These emails will almost always have a link or attachment that contain malware which will infect your device if opened. Cybercriminals use your trust in the real sender to create fake messages from a pretend account to steal your information.
Pretexting
Pretexting attacks tell a story to convince you to provide scammers with valuable information. For example, you might get an email from an unknown sender claiming to be a trusted individual or business asking for sensitive information. This type of social engineering attack can be done through email, online, over the phone, or even in person. Not to mention this puts cybercriminals in a better position to successfully hack a larger system now that they have your specific information.
Baiting
Just like how a worm on a hook entices fish to bite, baiting tempts people to reveal their sensitive information with a reward. Cybercriminals will promise money, free gifts, or prizes if you click on a link or scan a QR code. This manipulates people into taking an action that then infects their device with malware.
Quid Pro Quo
This social engineering attack involves the cybercriminal pretending to be a helpful resource like an IT team member to steal your information. A quid pro quo attack happens when a scammer, posing as a legitimate entity, offers a service or support in exchange for information or access. This can come in many sneaky forms, such as a fake IT member asking that you turn off all cybersecurity measures on your device so they can help you fix an issue.
Tailgating
This social engineering attack is the simplest of them all. It occurs when an unauthorized individual follows someone with authorized access into a secure area. These scammers will often dress as delivery people or cleaning personnel and act lost in order to get into these restricted areas.
How to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering Attacks
Now that you know the signs and types of social engineering attacks you can ready yourself and your team to defend against them. Because these scams can happen to anyone, it’s important to train your staff on what to watch out for when it comes to cyberattacks. Keep your training program updated with the latest cyberthreats and how to combat them so everyone on your team is always up to date. This program should also include simulations of social engineering attacks so your employees can practice what to do in a controlled environment.
If you or a member of your team does encounter someone asking for personal information, the best practice is to deny them. Even if it’s an email that looks like it’s from a co-worker, avoid clicking on unknown links or sending them your information. Reach out to people using a different medium like a phone call or speaking to them in person to verify if they actually sent you that message. If you think you’ve received a scam message, report it to your IT team immediately so they can take quick action and keep everyone’s information safe.
Protect Yourself from Cybersecurity Threats with Strategy IT!
Social engineering attacks are especially sneaky threats to cybersecurity that prey on human emotions. There are numerous signs to watch out for when discerning if you’re being targeted by a cybercriminal, and it’s important to evaluate them all. Strategy IT can help your business by monitoring for any potential cyberattacks and training your team on what to do if one breaks through. Book a conversation with us today to keep your business safe from cyberattacks.
