Someone asked me why it is so easy to steal a Facebook account. I responded that it is only easy to hack a Facebook account if there is a data breach on Facebook’s end or through social engineering.

Social engineering is more like reverse psychology. Cybercriminals use psychological manipulation to target human behavior rather than technical flaws to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems.

Unlike traditional hacking, which focuses on infiltrating computers or networks, social engineering exploits people’s trust, curiosity, fear, or greed.

The main concept behind social engineering, which most hackers believe in, is that humans are typically the weakest link in the security chain. They are avaricious, and if abused, they can acquire everything they require to gain access.

Although security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and anti-malware software are essential, they cannot defend against a well-executed social engineering attack in which a user willingly provides login information or clicks on a dangerous link.

As a result, in this article, I will look at the many social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals and how you may protect yourself against them.

Common Social Engineering Techniques

Social engineering can manifest in various forms designed to exploit specific human tendencies. Here are some of the most common techniques used by social engineers: 

1. Phishing

Phishing is perhaps the most common type of social engineering. According to a study by the FBI’s IC3, phishing is the most common attack carried out by cybercriminals as of 2020. It involves sending false emails, text messages, or webpages that appear to come from reputable sources like banks, social networking platforms, or government institutions. The purpose of carrying out such attacks is to deceive the receiver into clicking a malicious link, downloading an attachment, or disclosing personal information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card data.

2. Spear Phishing

The second type of social engineering is spare phishing. Unlike phishing, which sends generic messages to a large number of people at the same time, waiting for who first takes the bait, spearphishing attackers appear to be more personal. According to StationX, at least half of major enterprises were targeted with spear phishing in 2022, with an average of five spear phishing emails each day. When it comes to using this technique, cybercriminals research their targets for days, weeks, and probably months and tweak their messages to be more convincing and personal. A spearphishing email, for example, could be from a colleague or a trusted business partner.

3. Pretexting

Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario or identity to trick someone into divulging information. For instance, an attacker might pose as a company’s IT support staff and request the victim’s login credentials to “resolve a technical issue.” By presenting a plausible pretext, the attacker gains the victim’s trust and manipulates them into revealing sensitive information.

4. Baiting

Baiting takes advantage of people’s curiosity or greed. An attacker might leave an infected USB drive labeled “Confidential” in a public place, hoping that someone will pick it up and plug it into their computer. Once connected, the USB drive installs malware or spyware, giving the attacker access to the victim’s system.

5. Quid Pro Quo

Similar to baiting, quid pro quo involves offering something in exchange for information. For example, an attacker might pose as a tech support agent and offer a free software upgrade or technical assistance in exchange for the victim’s login details. The victim, believing they are getting a legitimate service, unknowingly hands over their credentials.

6. Tailgating

Tailgating, also known as piggybacking, involves an attacker gaining physical access to a restricted area by following someone with authorized access. For example, an attacker might pretend to be an employee who forgot their ID badge and ask someone to open the door. Once inside, the attacker can access sensitive areas or steal physical documents.

7. Vishing

Vishing, or voice phishing, involves using phone calls to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information. An attacker might pose as a bank representative, government official, or tech support agent and use social engineering tactics to manipulate the victim into sharing personal details, such as social security numbers or account passwords.

How Social Engineers Manipulate Human Behavior

Social engineers are master manipulators who understand human behavior and psychology. They use several psychological principles to exploit their victims:

1. Authority: People are more likely to comply with requests from individuals they perceive as authority figures. Social engineers often impersonate someone in a position of power, such as a manager, law enforcement officer, or IT professional, to coerce victims into following their instructions.

2. Urgency: Social engineering often involves creating a sense of urgency. Attackers may claim that immediate action is required to prevent a problem, such as account closure or financial loss. This pressure causes victims to act quickly without verifying the request’s legitimacy.

3. Scarcity: Scarcity, or the fear of missing out, can drive people to make hasty decisions. Social engineers might offer limited-time deals or exclusive opportunities that require immediate action, prompting victims to respond without careful consideration.

4. Reciprocity: Social engineers may exploit the principle of reciprocity, where individuals feel compelled to return a favor. For example, an attacker might offer free help or a gift in exchange for the victim’s information, making the victim feel obligated to comply.

5. Trust: Building trust is key to a successful social engineering attack. Attackers may spend time establishing a rapport with their victims, making them more likely to share sensitive information or grant access when asked.

6. Fear: Fear is a powerful motivator, and social engineers often use it to their advantage. By threatening dire consequences, such as legal action or financial penalties, attackers can manipulate victims into complying with their demands out of fear.

Real-World Examples of Social Engineering Attacks 

To better understand how social engineering works in practice, let’s look at a few real-world examples:

1. The Target Data Breach (2013): One of the largest data breaches in history, the Target breach, began with a social engineering attack. Hackers sent a phishing email to employees of a third-party HVAC company that provided services to Target. The attackers obtained the company’s network credentials and used them to access Target’s network, ultimately stealing the credit card information of over 40 million customers.

2. The Twitter Hack (2020): In July 2020, several high-profile Twitter accounts, including those of Barack Obama, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates, were compromised in a social engineering attack. The attackers used spear phishing to trick Twitter employees into providing access to internal tools, which were then used to post fraudulent tweets promoting a cryptocurrency scam.

3. The Google and Facebook Scam (2013-2015): A Lithuanian man tricked Google and Facebook into transferring over $100 million by sending fake invoices over two years. The attacker impersonated a legitimate hardware supplier with whom both companies did business, and employees unknowingly approved and paid the fraudulent invoices.

How to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering Scams

Understanding the tactics used by social engineers is the first step in protecting yourself from their schemes. Here are several strategies to help you avoid falling victim to social engineering attacks:

1. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Whether it’s an email, phone call, or in-person request, always be cautious of unsolicited messages or requests for sensitive information. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for passwords, social security numbers, or financial details through these channels. If in doubt, verify the request by contacting the organization using official contact information.

2. Educate Yourself and Others: Knowledge is power in social engineering. Educate yourself, your family, and your colleagues about the various types of social engineering attacks and the tactics used by attackers. Awareness training can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes.

3. Verify Identities: If someone contacts you claiming to be from a trusted organization, always verify their identity before providing any information. For example, if you receive a call from your bank, hang up and call back using the official customer service number. This ensures that you are speaking to a legitimate representative.

4. Be Cautious of Phishing Emails: Phishing emails often contain subtle signs of fraud. Look for red flags such as generic greetings (“Dear Customer”), spelling and grammar errors, and suspicious links or attachments. Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking, and never download attachments from unknown sources.

5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Social engineers often attempt to steal passwords through phishing or other tactics. Using strong, unique passwords for each account can limit the damage if one account is compromised. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.

6. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring more than just a password to log in. Even if a social engineer obtains your password, they would still need access to your second authentication factor (e.g., a code sent to your phone) to gain access.

7. Don’t Overshare on Social Media: Social engineers often gather information from social media profiles to make their attacks more convincing. Avoid sharing too much personal information online, such as your full name, address, phone number, or details about your job. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts.

8. Be Wary of Pop-Ups and Links: Malicious pop-ups and links can be used to trick you into downloading malware or providing sensitive information. Avoid clicking on pop-ups or links from unknown sources, and consider using a pop-up blocker in your browser.

9. Keep Software Updated: Regularly updating your software, including your operating system, web browser, and anti-virus programs, ensures that you have the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.

10. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take a moment to verify the legitimacy of a request before responding.

ALSO READ: How to Protect Your Data Online in 10 Simple Steps 

In Summary

Cybercriminals primarily employ social engineering to highlight the fact that the largest cybersecurity risk is typically found in human behavior, such as greed, fear, and curiosity, rather than technology. They continue to exploit people’s trust and emotions. Social engineers remind us that security is more than just strong passwords and software; it is also about being aware of our daily interactions. To protect ourselves, we must adopt a cautious mindset—questioning, confirming, and thinking critically about the information we receive.