Abstract

Most people are afraid of being attacked when walking to their car, relaxing at home, or doing normal things like shopping. Though the unlikeliest of attacks have become one of the most dangerous. Just imagine someone having the ability to watch your every move online and virtually. They can find your credit card information, passwords, social security number and so much more. Then with that information, they can steal your identity and sell it on the black market as well as threaten you for money. Attacks like these use something called Social Engineering to trick the user into giving up their information without even realizing. Though you may be asking, what is Social Engineering? Well Social Engineering are manipulation tactics that are aimed at getting people to give up their confidential information. These manipulation tactics play on our desires as well as our sense of urgency. Have you ever gotten a text or call saying that you have a package you didn’t order being shipped to your house and the only way to cancel the order was through clicking a link or calling the number listed? Or got an offer in your email saying that you were selected for a special prize, and you only have a certain time frame to claim it? These are common types of social engineering tactics that can play on your emotions. The best ways to avoid scams is to first understand what they are and why it is important. Next, you need to be able to recognize the different types of attacks and how to avoid them. Then, we will talk about what is ethical hacking and why is it important. Lastly, we will talk about how to avoid scams.

Document Type

Paper

Disciplines

Information Security

DOI

/10.25776/3kw7-bb33

Publication Date

11-24-2022

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The Importance of Social Engineering

Most people are afraid of being attacked when walking to their car, relaxing at home, or doing normal things like shopping. Though the unlikeliest of attacks have become one of the most dangerous. Just imagine someone having the ability to watch your every move online and virtually. They can find your credit card information, passwords, social security number and so much more. Then with that information, they can steal your identity and sell it on the black market as well as threaten you for money. Attacks like these use something called Social Engineering to trick the user into giving up their information without even realizing. Though you may be asking, what is Social Engineering? Well Social Engineering are manipulation tactics that are aimed at getting people to give up their confidential information. These manipulation tactics play on our desires as well as our sense of urgency. Have you ever gotten a text or call saying that you have a package you didn’t order being shipped to your house and the only way to cancel the order was through clicking a link or calling the number listed? Or got an offer in your email saying that you were selected for a special prize, and you only have a certain time frame to claim it? These are common types of social engineering tactics that can play on your emotions. The best ways to avoid scams is to first understand what they are and why it is important. Next, you need to be able to recognize the different types of attacks and how to avoid them. Then, we will talk about what is ethical hacking and why is it important. Lastly, we will talk about how to avoid scams.