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Cyber Security Awareness - Social Engineering Explained



October is Cyber Awareness Month and after reading an article about Social Engineering, I thought I'd share what I've learned. Individuals, small businesses and corporations are all vulnerable so it's important to be aware.

Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human psychology to gain access to confidential information or perform unauthorized actions. Instead of hacking a system directly, criminals use social engineering to trick people into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.

Common Social Engineering Techniques
  1. Phishing: Sending fraudulent emails that appear to come from reputable sources to steal sensitive data like login credentials and credit card numbers.
  2. Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to obtain information from a target. For example, pretending to be a bank representative to extract personal details.
  3. Baiting: Offering something enticing to lure victims into a trap. This could be a free download that contains malware.
  4. Quid Pro Quo: Offering a service or benefit in exchange for information. For instance, pretending to be IT support and offering help in exchange for login details.

The impact of social engineering can be severe:
  • Financial Loss: Victims can suffer significant financial damage, whether through direct theft or fraudulent transactions.
  • Data Breach: Sensitive information, such as personal data or corporate secrets, can be exposed, leading to identity theft or competitive disadvantage.
  • Reputation Damage: Organizations can suffer long-term reputational harm, losing the trust of customers and partners.
  • Operational Disruption: Social engineering attacks can lead to operational downtime, affecting productivity and service delivery.

How to Avoid Social Engineering Attacks
  1. Verify Identities: Always verify the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information, especially if the request is unexpected.
  2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to add an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they obtain login credentials.
  3. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Treat unsolicited requests for sensitive information with suspicion, especially if they come with a sense of urgency.
  4. Change passwords often and update security software frequently.
  5. Don't click on links without verifying the sender.
  6. Check email addresses to make sure it belongs to someone you know.

Social engineering is a real threat that leverages human psychology to bypass security measures. By understanding the techniques used by attackers and staying vigilant can reduce the risk of falling victim to these manipulative tactics.

Source: Chicago Title
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Debora Sanders is a real estate salesperson licensed by the state of California affiliated with Sotheby's International Realty. Sotheby's International Realty is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting, or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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