A social engineering attack is a type of cyberattack that uses deception to fool users into revealing sensitive information or granting access to their devices or accounts. Social engineering attacks can be directed at individuals or organizations and can be used to steal information, install malware, or gain access to networks or systems.
There are many types of social engineering attacks, but some of the most common ones include phishing, vishing, pretexting, etc.
Social engineering attacks are often carried out through phishing emails, phone calls, or text messages. The attacker may pose as a legitimate organization or individual in order to gain the trust of the target. They may then ask for sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. They may also try to install malware on the target’s device or gain access to their account.
Organizations can protect themselves from social engineering attacks by implementing strong security measures such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and employee training. Individuals can protect themselves by being aware of the risks of social engineering attacks and being skeptical of unsolicited requests for information.