How does social engineering work?

Social engineering is a technique used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that may not be in their best interest. Social engineering tactics can include impersonation, manipulation, deception, and persuasion.

The goal of social engineering is to gain the trust of the victim and to persuade them to reveal information that can be used for malicious purposes. Cybercriminals often research their targets to create a convincing and tailored message, making it more likely that the victim will comply.

Some common social engineering tactics include:

• Phishing: This involves sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or company. The email may contain a link that, when clicked, will direct the victim to a fake website where they will be asked to enter their login credentials or other sensitive information.
• Pretexting: This involves creating a false pretense in order to gain access to sensitive information. For example, a cybercriminal may pretend to be a trusted authority figure, such as a police officer or IT technician, in order to gain access to confidential information.
• Baiting: This involves offering a tempting incentive, such as a free gift or prize, in order to entice the victim to divulge sensitive information or take a specific action.
• Spear phishing: This is a more targeted form of phishing that involves researching the victim and crafting a personalized message to increase the likelihood of success.
  

Social engineering attacks can be difficult to detect because they often rely on the victim's willingness to trust the attacker. It's important to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or messages and to verify the authenticity of any requests for sensitive information.