As businesses implement cybersecurity measures to protect themselves, malicious actors respond by developing new methods of attack. One of the most insidious threats that companies are facing is social engineering attacks, which cannot be stopped using traditional means due to their nature. Understanding what social engineering attacks are, and how they work, is crucial for strengthening your cybersecurity posture.
What is Social Engineering?
Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology to gain access to sensitive information or accounts. Threat actors will often use information gained previously about their targets, including data from social media profiles or previous breaches, in order to make attacks seem more convincing. This type of cyber-attack is highly effective, as it is able to bypass many traditional security measures.
Common Types of Social Engineering Attacks
Social engineering attacks can take many forms, including the following:
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most prevalent and successful social engineering techniques, where threat actors pretend to make a legitimate attempt at contact in hopes of convincing targets to click a link or give away information. It can take many forms, such as vishing (fraudulent phone calls), smishing (fraudulent SMS messages), and spear phishing (a more targeted form, customized to a specific individual or organization) – but email is one of the most well-known methods.
Phishing scams will attempt to create a sense of urgency, hoping to trick the recipient into acting quickly and without taking the proper precautions.
2. Pretexting
Pretexting involves creating a fabricated scenario, or “pretext”, to persuade the target to divulge information or take action. For example, a malicious actor may pose as a bank employee calling to verify account details, or a technical support representative asking for login credentials. The goal of pretexting is to develop trust and rapport with the target, so they feel comfortable doing what is asked of them.
3. Tailgating (Piggybacking)
Tailgating occurs when a threat actor physically follows someone into a secure location without the proper authorization. They may pretend to be an employee who has lost their access card. This tactic exploits the trusting and helpful nature of humans, who may hold doors open or even let someone in when asked.
4. Quid Pro Quo
Quid pro quo attacks involve the promise of a benefit in exchange for information or access. A threat actor might call random people within an organization, offering to perform device maintenance in exchange for a password. Believing they are receiving a legitimate service, employees may be happy to provide the information, inadvertently granting the attacker access to sensitive systems.
5. Baiting
Baiting pretends to offer something for free in order to garner excitement. They may release malware disguised as free software, or leave an infected USB device out in public with a tempting label. As with many social engineering attacks, the goal is to induce a powerful emotion so that the target does not stop to think about their actions – in this case, a positive one.
Defending Against Social Engineering Attacks
As social engineering attacks function by exploiting human behavior rather than technological vulnerabilities, stopping them will require a unique approach focused on removing the element of human error.
1. Cybersecurity Awareness Training
The best defense against social engineering attacks is educating your employees. Regular training programs should be implemented, including information on the importance of cybersecurity, how to identify threats, and best practices for avoiding them.
2. Access Controls
Implementing access controls such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for threat actors to access accounts even if they obtain login credentials. You should also use role-based access control (RBAC), to ensure that staff can only access the information that is necessary for their role.
3. Implement a Zero Trust Framework
Zero trust architecture refers to the notion that no individual within the company should be trusted by default – instead, everyone is asked to verify themselves every single time they request access. This helps prevent malicious actors from posing as staff.
4. Use Strong Password Policies
Enforce the use of strong, unique passwords that are changed regularly. Use password management tools to help employees remember them without needing to resort to dangerous measures, and have clear consequences if confidential information is shared outside the company.
5. Regularly Test Security Posture
Conduct simulated social engineering attacks, to see how your employees react. Test them on whether they can spot a phishing email or a pretext scam. This will help you identify areas where additional training or reinforcement is needed.
Turn Your Employees into Your Biggest Strength
Social engineering attacks are a significant threat to organizations, due to their unique strategy that often allows threat actors to entirely bypass traditional cybersecurity measures. However, they can be stopped. By understanding how these attacks work, and educating employees, it is possible to detect these scams and prevent them from doing harm.
Your staff don’t have to be a weakness. Shartega IT can transform them into a strong defensive force, ready to protect your business from any threat. Discover how our cybersecurity awareness training can turn your employees into a human firewall today.
