Cybercriminals are getting smarter and more sophisticated every day. They use various techniques to trick people into sharing their personal information or installing malware on their devices. Social engineering is one of the most common tactics used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive data. Here are five common social engineering tactics that you need to be aware of:
Phishing is the most common social engineering tactic used by cybercriminals. It involves sending fake emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a company. The goal is to trick the recipient into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment that contains malware. For example, a cybercriminal might send an email claiming to be from a bank, asking the recipient to click on a link to update their account information. Once the link is clicked, the cybercriminal can steal the victim's login credentials and use them to access the victim's bank account.
Pretexting involves creating a false scenario to gain the victim's trust and obtain sensitive information. For example, a cybercriminal might call a company's customer service department pretending to be a customer, and then ask for sensitive information such as account numbers or passwords. The cybercriminal might also pretend to be an IT technician and ask for the victim's login credentials to fix a fake problem.
Baiting involves offering something of value in exchange for personal information or access to a device. For example, a cybercriminal might leave a USB drive in a public place with a label that says "Confidential" or "Employee Salary Info." If someone picks up the USB drive and plugs it into their computer, they might inadvertently install malware that gives the cybercriminal access to their device.
Tailgating involves following someone into a restricted area without proper authorization. For example, a cybercriminal might wait outside a secure building and then follow an employee inside by pretending to be a delivery person or a contractor. Once inside, the cybercriminal can steal sensitive information or install malware on the company's devices.
Scareware involves using fear tactics to trick people into installing malicious software. For example, a cybercriminal might create a pop-up message on a victim's computer that says their device is infected with a virus. The message might instruct the victim to download and install a fake antivirus program that actually contains malware.
Now that you know about the most common social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals, it's important to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips:
By being aware of social engineering tactics and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to cybercriminals.