EDITOR’ S question
WALID ISSA, SENIOR MANAGER, SOLUTIONS ENGINEERING – MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, NETAPP
ocial engineering attacks exploit
S human psychology to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise organisational security. These attacks leverage various psychological tactics to deceive and exploit their targets. For example, phishing involves sending fraudulent emails or messages that impersonate legitimate sources, tricking users into revealing credentials or clicking on malicious urls.
Pretexting is another common method, where attackers fabricate scenarios, usually showing as trusted figures such as colleagues, IT staff, or customers so to gain trust and extract valuable information. Tailgating takes advantage of physical access vulnerabilities by following authorised employees into restricted areas, relying on the natural inclination to be polite and hold doors open.
The authority tactic manipulates individuals by impersonating high-rank officials or law enforcement, pressuring them into compliance. Similarly, urgency is a powerful psychological tool attackers use to create panic or time pressure, driving victims to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the request.
By integrating these measures, organisations can strengthen both their technical defences and their human resilience against social engineering attacks.
To combat these threats, organisations must take proactive steps to train employees to recognise and resist social engineering tactics. Security awareness training is a foundational measure that should be conducted regularly to educate teams about common attack methods, their potential consequences and effective response strategies.
Phishing simulations offer practical exercises in identifying suspicious communications while providing immediate feedback to reinforce learning. Implementing strong password policies and encouraging the use of password managers can further reduce the risk of credential-based attacks. Adopting Two-Factor Authentication across critical systems adds an extra layer of security, making it significantly more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorised access.
Verification procedures are essential for safeguarding sensitive data and access requests. Employees should be trained to double-check such requests through alternative communication channels to ensure authenticity. Establishing a clear reporting mechanism is also important; employees should feel empowered to report suspicious activity without fear of reprisal, fostering a culture of caution and accountability. Regularly updating and patching systems and software is another critical step in closing technical vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
By integrating these measures, organisations can strengthen both their technical defences and their human resilience against social engineering attacks. A well-trained workforce that is aware, alert, and equipped with the right tools plays a key role in reducing the likelihood of successful manipulation attempts. Ultimately, combining employee education with robust security practices creates a comprehensive defence strategy that mitigates risks and enhances overall organisational security.
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