Human Hacking: Prevent Social Engineering Attacks

Social engineering is used to manipulate and exploit people to gain access to sensitive information or systems. It involves using psychological manipulation techniques, such as pretexting, phishing, and baiting, to convince people to divulge confidential data or access confidential systems.

This blog will explore different social engineering techniques cybercriminals use. And as a managed IT security provider in Orlando, we can give you tips on protecting your business against these attacks.

STRUCTURE OF A SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACK

The structure of social engineering typically involves the following steps:

1. Establishing trust: The hacker must convince the target that they can be trusted. This can be done by exploiting existing relationships, using false identities, or developing a rapport.
2. Gathering information:The hacker then gathers information about the target, such as their vulnerabilities, interests, habits, and preferences.
3. Manipulation:The hacker will then use the information collected to manipulate the target into performing an action. This can be done through social proofing, flattery, or other methods.
4. Exploitation:The attacker will exploit the trust established to gain access to confidential information or systems.

COMMON TYPES OF SOCIAL ENGINEERING

Phishing

Phishing is a social engineering attack involving sending malicious emails or text messages with links to malicious websites. These messages often appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks or government agencies, and contain links that can steal personal information or install malware when clicked.

Pretexting 

Pretexting is a social engineering attack involving a malicious actor posing as a trusted individual to gain access to confidential information. Pretexting can be used to gain access to passwords and bank accounts and to impersonate a victim to gain access to confidential data.

Baiting

Baiting is a type of social engineering attack that involves luring victims into clicking on malicious links by offering something of value, such as free music or software downloads.

HOW ORLANDO BUSINESS OWNERS PREVENT SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACKS

You should be aware of the risks of social engineering and take steps to protect your businesses against it. These steps can reduce the risk of serious financial and reputational harm.

1. Train Employees on Security Protocols:Ensure all employees know the company’'s Cybersecurity protocols and how to avoid being targeted by a social engineering attack. Educate employees on the common types of social engineerings, such as phishing and pretexting, and how to recognize them.
2. Have a Strong Password Policy:Establish a strong password policy that requires employees to use difficult-to-guess passwords, rotate them often, and not use the same password across multiple accounts.
3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication:Leverage two-factor authentication (2FA) to verify users. This method requires users to enter a code via SMS or email after entering their username and password.
4. Monitor Employee Access:Monitor user accounts to detect suspicious activity and inappropriate access. Alert employees of any suspicious activity and be sure to investigate any suspicious requests for access.

CONCLUSION

If you are a small to a medium-sized business owner in Orlando and want help with Cybersecurity for your business, Aurora Infotech is here for you. Contact us today at (407) 995-6766 to discuss your needs and help you meet them.