What is a common method used in social engineering attacks?

Phishing is a prevalent technique employed in social engineering attacks. This method typically involves deceiving potential victims through seemingly legitimate communications to trick them into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. Attackers often craft emails or messages that look official, impersonating trusted entities like banks or well-known companies to exploit the recipient's trust.

The success of phishing relies on the manipulation of human psychology rather than the exploitation of technical vulnerabilities in systems. This highlights the significance of understanding user awareness and the importance of training individuals to recognize and respond to such malicious attempts effectively. By being aware of the signs of phishing, individuals can better protect themselves against these types of social engineering threats.

Creating firewalls, encrypting data, and running antivirus scans are all essential security practices, but they primarily focus on protecting systems against unauthorized access and malware, rather than addressing the human factor that social engineering exploits.