Introduction to Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks come in many different forms, but they all have one thing in common - they exploit human emotions and weaknesses to gain access to sensitive information or assets. In this lesson, we will explore some of the most common types of social engineering attacks.
Phishing attacks are one of the most prevalent types of social engineering attacks. They involve the use of fraudulent emails, text messages, or websites to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials, social security numbers, or credit card information. Phishing emails often appear to come from a trusted source, such as a bank, social media platform, or e-commerce site, and they typically use urgent language to create a sense of urgency and prompt the recipient to take immediate action.
Spear phishing attacks are similar to phishing attacks, but they are more targeted in nature. Rather than sending out a mass email or text message, spear phishing attacks are directed at specific individuals or organizations. The attacker may use information gathered from social media profiles or other online sources to craft a personalized message that appears to come from a trusted source.
Pretexting involves the creation of a false pretext or story to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information. For example, an attacker may pose as a customer service representative and tell the victim that their account has been compromised. The attacker will then ask the victim to provide their login credentials or other sensitive information in order to resolve the issue.
Baiting attacks involve the use of a tempting offer or item to lure individuals into divulging sensitive information. For example, an attacker may leave a USB drive labeled "Confidential" in a public area, hoping that someone will pick it up and plug it into their computer. The USB drive may contain malware or other malicious code that can be used to steal sensitive information from the victim's computer.
These are just a few examples of the many types of social engineering attacks. By understanding the different types of attacks, and how they work, individuals and organizations can take steps to protect themselves from these types of threats.
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