DEV Community

Cover image for Social Engineering in Security: Key Threats and Prevention- UK
Cybersecurity information
Cybersecurity information

Posted on

Social Engineering in Security: Key Threats and Prevention- UK

Most people envision hackers breaching firewalls with a single line of code in the field of cybersecurity. But what if you get to know that the simplest means for a cybercriminal to get your password is by manipulating you and making you give it away yourself, rather than by breaking your system? Social engineering in security has tremendous strength and is among the fastest-growing threat techniques globally. 

 

This blog will examine several types of social engineering in threats, discuss how to stop them, and demonstrate why companies have to act proactively before it is too late. Let’s dive deep into the details.

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering feeds on psychology, trust, and human error, unlike conventional cyberthreats that focus on technology. Furthermore, these threats can be far more destructive than malware or brute force hacking. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has frequently advised in the UK that social engineering is among the most frequent attack strategies aiming at both people and companies.

 

Social engineering in cyber security is the skill of persuading people to engage in actions that endanger security or to reveal secret information. Hackers use interest, terror, urgency, or even helpfulness instead of attempting to break down digital barriers.

 

Imagine getting a call from someone purportedly representing “IT support” who desperately needs your login information to resolve a network problem. Or, getting an email purportedly sent from your bank requesting account verification. These are intentionally set mental traps, not by chance. The danger is found in the genuine nature of these strikes. Although firewalls and antivirus software can stop viruses, they cannot obstruct human confidence.

 

Explore more: What is Cyber Security Testing and its Different Types?

 

Source: https://qualysec.com/social-engineering-in-security/ 

Top comments (0)