Why Social Engineering Works
Social engineering attacks are cybercrimes that trick people into giving up confidential information or influence actions that compromise security. In contrast to hacking, which targets software or hardware, social engineering is a more malicious form of attacks that target human psychology. Attackers manipulate emotions, biases, and social norms to get what they want.
Example:
A classic example would be a phishing email that appears to be from your bank, asking you to “confirm your account details.” This kind of email uses urgent language to spike your fear levels and force you to act fast, bypassing your cautious barrier. Remember that usually, banks will ask you to verify your details inside of the app, actual branch, or website – not through phone, text, or email.
So What Exactly is Social Engineering
Definition: Social engineering is the act of manipulating people to give up confidential information or perform actions that help the attacker.
Common Targets: Employees, customers, executives – really anyone that has access to valuable information.
Why it works: Humans have the natural disposition to trust, help others, and respond to authority.
Example: An attacker calls an employee, pretending to be from IT support, claiming there’s an urgent problem and requesting the employee’s password.
Psychological Principles That Attackers Exploit
Authority
People often obey people that are in a position of authority. Attackers exploit this fact by posing as someone’s boss, a police officer, or an IT administrator.
Example: An email “from the CEO” urgently asks an accountant to immediately wire money to a new supplier.
Urgency and Scarcity
When people are rushed, they’re bound to make mistakes. It’s not easy for everyone to have a clear mind under pressure. Social engineers leverage this by fabricating emergencies. This sense of urgency can trigger your amygdala to respond, since that is the part of your brain responsible for detecting threats amongst other things.
Example: “You must reset your password within 10 minutes or your account will be locked!”
Reciprocity
If someone gives us something, we may feel obligated to return the favor, even if it’s a gift you never asked for.
Example: An attacker offers free software or a gift in exchange for information. Your response should be: “Heck no!”
Social Proof
People look to others to choose how to respond or to decide what action to take. This is called the “bandwagon effect”. If an attacker claims “Everyone else has done this. Why haven’t you done it yet?” You’re more likely to comply.
Common Cognitive Biases Used in Social Engineering
- Curiosity: “Click here to see who viewed your profile.”
- Fear: “Your account has been compromised!”
- Greed: “You’ve won a free iPhone!”
- Optimism Bias: “It won’t happen to me.”
Attackers use these biases to hijack reasonable thinking.
Types of Social Engineering Attacks
Phishing
Fake emails or messages tricking you into giving up information or clicking malicious links.
Example: A message from “Amazon” asks you to verify your account by entering your password.
Spear Phishing
Much like the name, this is highly targeted phishing, often utilizing personal information that has already been breached.
Example: An email referencing your boss by name, asking for sensitive files.
Pretexting
The attacker invents a scenario to get information from you.
Example: Someone calls pretending to be from your bank’s fraud department, requesting you to confirm sensitive information to keep your account safe.
Baiting
This is when something is offered as a means to get you to take action.
Example: A USB drive labeled “Confidential” left in the office parking lot. This plays on human curiosity, enticing you to take a look at what’s hidden away on the drive.
Vishing
Vishing, or voice phishing, utilizes phone calls in order to trick people into revealing sensitive information mistakenly. Usually people are thrown off by calls – it breaks down their focus and leaves them vulnerable to falling prey to whatever lies are told on the other line.
Real-World Case Studies
- 2016 Democratic National Committee Hack: Attackers sent spear-phishing emails to staff, tricking them into revealing passwords.
- Barbara Corcoran Scam of 2020: A scammer posed as Corcoran’s assistant and convinced her bookkeeper to wire $400,000.
- RSA Breach in 2011: A single phishing email led to a major security being compromised.
How to Defend Against Social Engineering
Training and Awareness
- Regular training helps employees recognize manipulation tactics before they become prime targets.
- Simulated phishing tests can improve vigilance and expose employees to real-world examples.
Verification Procedures
- Always verify unusual requests, despite how legit they may seem, especially those involving money or sensitive information.
- When in doubt, use a second communication channel such as calling the subject the possible attacker claims to be, rather than replying to the email directly. For instance, if someone emails you claiming to be your boss, call your boss directly and confirm it was them who sent the email. It never hurts to play it safe, and your boss would appreciate it if you reported anything suspicious.
Foster a Security Culture
- Encourage employees to question suspicious requests.
- Make it easy to report potential attacks without fear of blame.
Conclusion
Social engineering is often successful due to its tactics of targeting the human mind – not just technology. By understanding the psychological tricks that attackers use, we can better defend ourselves and our organizations. If you’d like to learn more about how you can protect yourself, get in touch with LG Networks today – so you can be safe before the storm hits.
