Protecting Yourself from Cybersecurity Social Engineering Scams

Cybersecurity social engineering scams have become more prevalent in recent years. These scams use psychological manipulation to trick people into giving up sensitive information or taking harmful actions. They can be hard to spot, but there are several things you can do to protect yourself.

Examples of Social Engineering Scams

One common type of social engineering scam is phishing. This is when scammers send emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or social media sites. The email may ask you to click on a link or provide personal information, which the scammers can then use for fraudulent purposes.

Another type of social engineering scam is pretexting. This is when scammers create a false identity to gain your trust. For example, they may pretend to be a coworker or IT support person to get you to reveal sensitive information or give them access to your computer.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are some tips to help you protect yourself from cybersecurity social engineering scams:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, especially if they ask for personal information or contain urgent requests.
• Verify the identity of anyone who asks for personal information or access to your computer or accounts.
• Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.
• Install and regularly update antivirus and antimalware software.
• Be cautious of unexpected phone calls, especially if they claim to be from a government agency or financial institution.

Statistics and Facts

The following statistics and facts highlight the prevalence and impact of social engineering scams:

• In 2019, phishing attacks accounted for 80% of reported security incidents.
• The average cost of a successful phishing attack for a medium-sized business is $1.6 million.
• Pretexting was the most common type of social engineering attack in 2020, accounting for 43% of reported incidents.
• Only 30% of employees receive regular cybersecurity training from their employers.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity social engineering scams can be devastating for individuals and businesses alike. By following the tips outlined in this article and staying vigilant, you can help protect yourself from these scams and keep your personal and sensitive information safe.