How can social engineering be defined?

Social engineering is defined as the manipulation of individuals to gain confidential information. This method relies heavily on psychological tactics to influence a person's behavior, often leading them to divulge sensitive information, passwords, or access credentials. Unlike technical hacking methods that exploit system vulnerabilities, social engineering targets human psychology. This can occur through various means such as phishing emails, pretexting (creating a fabricated scenario to obtain information), or baiting (offering something enticing to lure a victim into a trap).

Understanding social engineering is crucial for security professionals because it highlights vulnerabilities that are not necessarily tied to technology but are rooted in human behavior. Awareness and training can help mitigate risks associated with these manipulative tactics, making it essential for organizations to educate employees about recognizing and resisting social engineering attempts.