RICHARD FORD , CTO , INTEGRITY360

efending against social engineering

Insider threats have also become more prominent due to a variety of social and economic factors , the most pressing of which is the cost-of-living crisis . Financial hardships and pressures have seen the risk of insiders deliberately exposing data or credentials for hackers to utilise and exploit in exchange for cash – a tempting option for disgruntled or desperate employees looking for a way out of economic hardship . This makes the insider threat highly unpredictable and , consequently , difficult to manage .

The cornerstone of defending against social engineering is robust awareness training . Employees are often the first line of defence against these attacks . Regular training sessions should be mandated , focusing on identifying and responding to various forms of social engineering threats , such as phishing , pretexting and baiting . This training should be dynamic , reflecting the ever-evolving nature of social engineering tactics .

Employees should feel empowered and encouraged to report suspicious activities without fear of

Employees should feel empowered and encouraged to report suspicious activities without fear of retribution .

Investing in comprehensive education and robust defensive strategies is not just a matter of data security ; it ’ s a matter of business survival .

retribution . Such a culture is nurtured through continuous communication from the top-down , emphasising the importance of security in the overall health of the organisation .

Another vital strategy is the implementation of strict information control policies . Limiting the amount of information available publicly can significantly reduce the risk of social engineering attacks . This means controlling what is shared on company websites , social media and through other public channels . Employees should be educated on the risks of oversharing , both in professional and personal contexts .

Regular security audits and simulated social engineering scenarios can also play a crucial role . These exercises not only test the effectiveness of current security measures but also keep the staff alert and prepared for potential real-life situations .

Finally , it is crucial to understand that social engineering attacks not only compromise data but also can severely damage an organisation ’ s reputation and trustworthiness . The cost of a breach extends beyond financial loss , affecting customer confidence and long-term business viability . Thus , investing in comprehensive education and robust defensive strategies is not just a matter of data security ; it ’ s a matter of business survival .

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