Social Engineering: How Hackers Exploit Human Psychology

Humans are one of the biggest to target in the field of cybersecurity. While security experts shut down networks, encrypt devices, and invest in shiny tools, attackers can often elude the security measures through manipulating people. This is known as social engineering, the art of employing psychological tricks, deceit, and even simple human instincts to convince people to divulge information, click a hyperlink or open a door or do something they wouldn’t otherwise.

This article discusses the psychological basis behind social engineering, typical attacks and tactics in real life the types of attacks warnings, red flags, defenses (technical as well as human) as well as incident response and training tips that you can implement right now.

How social engineering is effective (the psychology)

Attackers take advantage of human patterns that are predictable and cognitive biases

Authority The public acquiesce to perceived authority persons (managers or IT professionals police, and managers). A fake boss voice or “IT support” request is convincing.
Urgency/Scarcity: “Act now” pressures users to bypass verification. Demands for urgent action reduces the rationality of scrutiny.
Reciprocity: We feel obliged to repay favors. This seemingly beneficial act could be used to gain data later.
Social proof/Conformity: If others appear to have faith in an item (an email, or a person) We follow in their footsteps.
Like: We trust people we like. Attackers establish rapport or appear to be friends.
Consistency/Commitment: Small earlier concessions (e.g. responding to the question in a positive way) will make more demanding demands more likely be successful.
Cognitive overload and exhaustion: Busy people make mistakes; attackers plan their to reach out during busy times (end of the day, month-end).
Accessibility heuristics: People rely on immediate instances (news about COVID vaccines, numerous scams with themes) which makes themed lures more successful.

Knowing these biases can be the initial step towards creating defenses that don’t depend on technology.

The most common social engineering methods

Phishing (email / SMS / voice)

Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails crafted to trick users into clicking on links, opening attachments or logging in to fake websites.
Spear Phish: Targeted phishing using personal information to boost the credibility.
Smishing or Vishing: SMS and voice-based scams, such as phone calls and text messages that impersonate delivery services or IT.

Pretexting

In the process of creating a plausible narrative or identity (a “pretext”) to justify the need for confidential information. For instance, someone might call”verify” payroll details “verify” employee payroll details pretending to be HR.

Baiting

Leave infected USB drives in a public area with a tempting message (e.g., “Payroll 2025”) in the hope that someone will plug the drives in. Also, offering downloads for free and “gifts” that install malware.

Quid Pro Quo

Offer a service in exchange for access–e.g. an attacker may call providing “free tech support” in exchange to temporarily enable remote access.

Tailgating / Piggybacking

Physically walking behind an authorized person through the door that is access-controlled by telling them “hold the door” or sliding behind them.

Watering Hole Attacks

Infecting websites that are frequented by a specific group (professional forums, association pages) which means that users who visit the site are infected.

Impersonation on Social Media / Business Email Compromise (BEC)

impersonation Making fake account which impersonate vendors or executives to ask for payments or data.
BEC: Carefully studied messages that trick teams in procurement or finance to transfer money to an attacker’s accounts controlled by attackers.

Anatomy -stages of an attack on social engineering

Reconnaissance (Open-source intelligence)
- Attacker collects information from public sources: LinkedIn, company press announcements, social media post, WHOIS, job postings or organizational charts.
Planning & Pretext development
- Create a convincing story and choose the victims (accounting IT, HR,). Select methods (email or phone or SMS).
Engagement
- Send the fake email, make the phone call take the call, then remove the USB or open the fake website.
Exploitation
- The victim clicks on a link or clicks a link, provides credentials and plugs into the USB or gives access. The malware installs, or credentials are stolen.
Post-exploitation and Monetization
- Attacker increases access, then moves further or exfiltrates data. They also commit fraud or extorts.
Cleanup / persistence
- Remove easy tracks, build backdoors, or even sell access to criminals.

Signs of red flags and warnings of social engineering

Requests for urgent assistance to circumvent the normal procedure.
Requests for unusually sensitive information (SSNs and payroll information, as well as credentials) via email or phone.
Generic greetings, paired with personal details (a part of a spear-phish).
Addresses of senders that do not match the display name; minor errors in domains.
Unexpected attachments, or links with URLs that are shortened.
Grammar errors, misspellings or inconsistent branding messages.
Requests to omit normal approval flow (e.g., “Don’t tell anyone — just wire it now”).
Anyone who insists using remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk) without the formality of a ticket.

Practical defenses – both organizational and technical

Controls for technical aspects

Protection of emails: Use advanced email filtering, DMARC/DKIM/SPF, to limit the amount of spammed email scans, attachments and link Sandboxing.
MFA (Multi-Factor authentication): Protects accounts even when credentials are compromised.
Endpoint protection and EDR Be aware of suspicious behaviour from hosts that have been compromised.
Web filtering and DNS security block access to harmful domains as well as known phishing sites.
Least privilege and Role-based Access Control (RBAC): Limit what an account that has been compromised can do.
Segmentation of networks: Restrict lateral motion in the event that an attacker gains access.
Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs): For high-risk jobs (finance or admin) make use of dedicated, hardened machines.

Process and policy

verified communication channels You must have a second-channel confirmation for transactions, high-risk requests or resets of credential (phone call to a specified number, or in-person confirmation).
Workflows that require strict approval in relation to financial transactions as well as changes to the vendor (two-person requirement).
Access control for physical access: Anti-tailgating measures, visitors escorts, as well as badge enforcement.
Third-party verification: Due diligence for vendors; check for unanticipated changes to vendor accounts with independent contact information.

Human-focused defenses

Regular phishing exercises specifically designed for specific job roles (finance HR, execs, finance) and a specific follow-up education to avoid the failures.
Microlearning Microlearning is a short, frequently-used training module (2-5 minutes) covering topics such as identifying Phishing, SMiShing, or remote access security risks.
No-blame reporting culture Inspire employees to file any suspicious messages with no fear of being punished Quickly analyze and communicate the lesson learned.
Tabletop activities: Simulate realistic attacks to test response and detection.
Onboarding and role-based training: New hires should be aware of phishing, and roles with high risk should receive additional training.

What should you do if a social engineering attack is successful

Contain
- Remove the affected computers and accounts. Stop compromised credentials and close suspicious sessions.
Notify
- Contact your IT team and security and the leadership. If necessary, notify affected third parties (bank or customers, etc.).).
Preserve evidence
- Save the email headers as well as screenshots, call logs, and all malicious files to be analyzed and possibly law enforcement.
Eradicate & Recover
- Remove malware and rotate credentials, then restore clean backups and reimage hosts, if necessary.
Analyze & Learn
- Do a root-cause analysis to determine How did the attacker get around security measures? Repair the procedure or in to train.
Communicate
- Communication that is timely, transparent and clear to the affected parties reduces risk and increases trust. Respect the reporting obligations of regulatory and legal authorities.
Remediate policy & training
- Re-train teams that are affected, and alter defensive controls.

Exercises for training and awareness (practical)

Playbooks for phishing: Create realistic phishing templates that look like invoices from the vendor HR notices, HR invoices or executive requestsand then follow-up by delivering immediate, personalized micro-lessons.
Social engineering exercise: Teach employees how to verify help requests using directories that are official and ticket number.
Test for dropping USB drives: Test physical security by leaving unmarked drives, and tracking uptake. You can use the results to increase awareness.
Role-playing calls: Simulation of vishing attempts with employees who handle sensitive data and practice verification scripts.
Executive-specific drills Check the C-suite’s security with spear-phishing simulations that replicate their public-facing data.
Phish-or Fish boards: Weekly summaries of actual phishing attempts that the organization received (redacted) What warnings were not flagged and what to be on the lookout for.

Quick scripts and templates you can take on

Check-in scripts for the finance team (second-channel)

“I received an inquiry to transfer $X to the account Y. To ensure security, I’ll contact the vendor that is on the approved list of vendors to verify. Please hold, and I’ll notify you about your ticket.”

Helpdesk verification script

“I could assist you with resetting this, however I will need to confirm two things in your account including your employee ID as well as the last four digits of your number in the file. I will only allow your request to reset the account if you verify it through the contact in your directory for your company.”

Micro-message to staff members who clicked

“I clicked on a link that I should not have clicked on. My laptop has been disconnected from WiFi, and am transmitting this information to Security. Please let me know the what should be my next step.”

Encourage them to make use of short, action-oriented sentences in their reports. Speed is important.

Metrics for tracking (security leaders)

Click rate for Phishing and repeated offenders.
Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and the mean the time it takes to react (MTTR) for the social engineering incidents.
The number of calls required to confirm transactions that are high risk with channels that are approved.
The results of the red-team social engineering exercises.
The number of suspicious messages reported and the percentage that leads to the need to take action (investigation or blocking).

Final thoughts

Social engineering is the manipulation of humans — and human beings will always be a part to the structure. Relating it to something that is technical is a sham strategy. The best defense is blended: hardened technical controls that reduce successful attack surface, paired with a psychologically-informed human program that trains awareness, builds verification habits, and empowers people to speak up.

Create security as the firm’s muscle memory: pause, confirm and then escalate. These three steps, which are repeated by all, take away the majority of the responsibility from social engineers.

How social engineering is effective (the psychology)

Attackers take advantage of human patterns that are predictable and cognitive biases

Authority The public acquiesce to perceived authority persons (managers or IT professionals police, and managers). A fake boss voice or “IT support” request is convincing.
Urgency/Scarcity: “Act now” pressures users to bypass verification. Demands for urgent action reduces the rationality of scrutiny.
Reciprocity: We feel obliged to repay favors. This seemingly beneficial act could be used to gain data later.
Social proof/Conformity: If others appear to have faith in an item (an email, or a person) We follow in their footsteps.
Like: We trust people we like. Attackers establish rapport or appear to be friends.
Consistency/Commitment: Small earlier concessions (e.g. responding to the question in a positive way) will make more demanding demands more likely be successful.
Cognitive overload and exhaustion: Busy people make mistakes; attackers plan their to reach out during busy times (end of the day, month-end).
Accessibility heuristics: People rely on immediate instances (news about COVID vaccines, numerous scams with themes) which makes themed lures more successful.

Knowing these biases can be the initial step towards creating defenses that don’t depend on technology.

The most common social engineering methods

Phishing (email / SMS / voice)

Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails crafted to trick users into clicking on links, opening attachments or logging in to fake websites.
Spear Phish: Targeted phishing using personal information to boost the credibility.
Smishing or Vishing: SMS and voice-based scams, such as phone calls and text messages that impersonate delivery services or IT.

Pretexting

Baiting

Quid Pro Quo

Offer a service in exchange for access–e.g. an attacker may call providing “free tech support” in exchange to temporarily enable remote access.

Tailgating / Piggybacking

Physically walking behind an authorized person through the door that is access-controlled by telling them “hold the door” or sliding behind them.

Watering Hole Attacks

Infecting websites that are frequented by a specific group (professional forums, association pages) which means that users who visit the site are infected.

Impersonation on Social Media / Business Email Compromise (BEC)

impersonation Making fake account which impersonate vendors or executives to ask for payments or data.
BEC: Carefully studied messages that trick teams in procurement or finance to transfer money to an attacker’s accounts controlled by attackers.

Anatomy -stages of an attack on social engineering

Reconnaissance (Open-source intelligence)
- Attacker collects information from public sources: LinkedIn, company press announcements, social media post, WHOIS, job postings or organizational charts.
Planning & Pretext development
- Create a convincing story and choose the victims (accounting IT, HR,). Select methods (email or phone or SMS).
Engagement
- Send the fake email, make the phone call take the call, then remove the USB or open the fake website.
Exploitation
- The victim clicks on a link or clicks a link, provides credentials and plugs into the USB or gives access. The malware installs, or credentials are stolen.
Post-exploitation and Monetization
- Attacker increases access, then moves further or exfiltrates data. They also commit fraud or extorts.
Cleanup / persistence
- Remove easy tracks, build backdoors, or even sell access to criminals.

Signs of red flags and warnings of social engineering

Requests for urgent assistance to circumvent the normal procedure.
Requests for unusually sensitive information (SSNs and payroll information, as well as credentials) via email or phone.
Generic greetings, paired with personal details (a part of a spear-phish).
Addresses of senders that do not match the display name; minor errors in domains.
Unexpected attachments, or links with URLs that are shortened.
Grammar errors, misspellings or inconsistent branding messages.
Requests to omit normal approval flow (e.g., “Don’t tell anyone — just wire it now”).
Anyone who insists using remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk) without the formality of a ticket.

Practical defenses – both organizational and technical

Controls for technical aspects

Protection of emails: Use advanced email filtering, DMARC/DKIM/SPF, to limit the amount of spammed email scans, attachments and link Sandboxing.
MFA (Multi-Factor authentication): Protects accounts even when credentials are compromised.
Endpoint protection and EDR Be aware of suspicious behaviour from hosts that have been compromised.
Web filtering and DNS security block access to harmful domains as well as known phishing sites.
Least privilege and Role-based Access Control (RBAC): Limit what an account that has been compromised can do.
Segmentation of networks: Restrict lateral motion in the event that an attacker gains access.
Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs): For high-risk jobs (finance or admin) make use of dedicated, hardened machines.

Process and policy

verified communication channels You must have a second-channel confirmation for transactions, high-risk requests or resets of credential (phone call to a specified number, or in-person confirmation).
Workflows that require strict approval in relation to financial transactions as well as changes to the vendor (two-person requirement).
Access control for physical access: Anti-tailgating measures, visitors escorts, as well as badge enforcement.
Third-party verification: Due diligence for vendors; check for unanticipated changes to vendor accounts with independent contact information.

Human-focused defenses

Regular phishing exercises specifically designed for specific job roles (finance HR, execs, finance) and a specific follow-up education to avoid the failures.
Microlearning Microlearning is a short, frequently-used training module (2-5 minutes) covering topics such as identifying Phishing, SMiShing, or remote access security risks.
No-blame reporting culture Inspire employees to file any suspicious messages with no fear of being punished Quickly analyze and communicate the lesson learned.
Tabletop activities: Simulate realistic attacks to test response and detection.
Onboarding and role-based training: New hires should be aware of phishing, and roles with high risk should receive additional training.

What should you do if a social engineering attack is successful

Contain
- Remove the affected computers and accounts. Stop compromised credentials and close suspicious sessions.
Notify
- Contact your IT team and security and the leadership. If necessary, notify affected third parties (bank or customers, etc.).).
Preserve evidence
- Save the email headers as well as screenshots, call logs, and all malicious files to be analyzed and possibly law enforcement.
Eradicate & Recover
- Remove malware and rotate credentials, then restore clean backups and reimage hosts, if necessary.
Analyze & Learn
- Do a root-cause analysis to determine How did the attacker get around security measures? Repair the procedure or in to train.
Communicate
- Communication that is timely, transparent and clear to the affected parties reduces risk and increases trust. Respect the reporting obligations of regulatory and legal authorities.
Remediate policy & training
- Re-train teams that are affected, and alter defensive controls.

Exercises for training and awareness (practical)

Playbooks for phishing: Create realistic phishing templates that look like invoices from the vendor HR notices, HR invoices or executive requestsand then follow-up by delivering immediate, personalized micro-lessons.
Social engineering exercise: Teach employees how to verify help requests using directories that are official and ticket number.
Test for dropping USB drives: Test physical security by leaving unmarked drives, and tracking uptake. You can use the results to increase awareness.
Role-playing calls: Simulation of vishing attempts with employees who handle sensitive data and practice verification scripts.
Executive-specific drills Check the C-suite’s security with spear-phishing simulations that replicate their public-facing data.
Phish-or Fish boards: Weekly summaries of actual phishing attempts that the organization received (redacted) What warnings were not flagged and what to be on the lookout for.

Quick scripts and templates you can take on

Check-in scripts for the finance team (second-channel)

“I received an inquiry to transfer $X to the account Y. To ensure security, I’ll contact the vendor that is on the approved list of vendors to verify. Please hold, and I’ll notify you about your ticket.”

Helpdesk verification script

“I could assist you with resetting this, however I will need to confirm two things in your account including your employee ID as well as the last four digits of your number in the file. I will only allow your request to reset the account if you verify it through the contact in your directory for your company.”

Micro-message to staff members who clicked

“I clicked on a link that I should not have clicked on. My laptop has been disconnected from WiFi, and am transmitting this information to Security. Please let me know the what should be my next step.”

Encourage them to make use of short, action-oriented sentences in their reports. Speed is important.

Metrics for tracking (security leaders)

Click rate for Phishing and repeated offenders.
Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and the mean the time it takes to react (MTTR) for the social engineering incidents.
The number of calls required to confirm transactions that are high risk with channels that are approved.
The results of the red-team social engineering exercises.
The number of suspicious messages reported and the percentage that leads to the need to take action (investigation or blocking).

Final thoughts

Create security as the firm’s muscle memory: pause, confirm and then escalate. These three steps, which are repeated by all, take away the majority of the responsibility from social engineers.

How social engineering is effective (the psychology)

Attackers take advantage of human patterns that are predictable and cognitive biases

Authority The public acquiesce to perceived authority persons (managers or IT professionals police, and managers). A fake boss voice or “IT support” request is convincing.
Urgency/Scarcity: “Act now” pressures users to bypass verification. Demands for urgent action reduces the rationality of scrutiny.
Reciprocity: We feel obliged to repay favors. This seemingly beneficial act could be used to gain data later.
Social proof/Conformity: If others appear to have faith in an item (an email, or a person) We follow in their footsteps.
Like: We trust people we like. Attackers establish rapport or appear to be friends.
Consistency/Commitment: Small earlier concessions (e.g. responding to the question in a positive way) will make more demanding demands more likely be successful.
Cognitive overload and exhaustion: Busy people make mistakes; attackers plan their to reach out during busy times (end of the day, month-end).
Accessibility heuristics: People rely on immediate instances (news about COVID vaccines, numerous scams with themes) which makes themed lures more successful.

Knowing these biases can be the initial step towards creating defenses that don’t depend on technology.

The most common social engineering methods

Phishing (email / SMS / voice)

Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails crafted to trick users into clicking on links, opening attachments or logging in to fake websites.
Spear Phish: Targeted phishing using personal information to boost the credibility.
Smishing or Vishing: SMS and voice-based scams, such as phone calls and text messages that impersonate delivery services or IT.

Pretexting

Baiting

Quid Pro Quo

Offer a service in exchange for access–e.g. an attacker may call providing “free tech support” in exchange to temporarily enable remote access.

Tailgating / Piggybacking

Physically walking behind an authorized person through the door that is access-controlled by telling them “hold the door” or sliding behind them.

Watering Hole Attacks

Infecting websites that are frequented by a specific group (professional forums, association pages) which means that users who visit the site are infected.

Impersonation on Social Media / Business Email Compromise (BEC)

impersonation Making fake account which impersonate vendors or executives to ask for payments or data.
BEC: Carefully studied messages that trick teams in procurement or finance to transfer money to an attacker’s accounts controlled by attackers.

Anatomy -stages of an attack on social engineering

Reconnaissance (Open-source intelligence)
- Attacker collects information from public sources: LinkedIn, company press announcements, social media post, WHOIS, job postings or organizational charts.
Planning & Pretext development
- Create a convincing story and choose the victims (accounting IT, HR,). Select methods (email or phone or SMS).
Engagement
- Send the fake email, make the phone call take the call, then remove the USB or open the fake website.
Exploitation
- The victim clicks on a link or clicks a link, provides credentials and plugs into the USB or gives access. The malware installs, or credentials are stolen.
Post-exploitation and Monetization
- Attacker increases access, then moves further or exfiltrates data. They also commit fraud or extorts.
Cleanup / persistence
- Remove easy tracks, build backdoors, or even sell access to criminals.

Signs of red flags and warnings of social engineering

Requests for urgent assistance to circumvent the normal procedure.
Requests for unusually sensitive information (SSNs and payroll information, as well as credentials) via email or phone.
Generic greetings, paired with personal details (a part of a spear-phish).
Addresses of senders that do not match the display name; minor errors in domains.
Unexpected attachments, or links with URLs that are shortened.
Grammar errors, misspellings or inconsistent branding messages.
Requests to omit normal approval flow (e.g., “Don’t tell anyone — just wire it now”).
Anyone who insists using remote access software (TeamViewer, AnyDesk) without the formality of a ticket.

Practical defenses – both organizational and technical

Controls for technical aspects

Protection of emails: Use advanced email filtering, DMARC/DKIM/SPF, to limit the amount of spammed email scans, attachments and link Sandboxing.
MFA (Multi-Factor authentication): Protects accounts even when credentials are compromised.
Endpoint protection and EDR Be aware of suspicious behaviour from hosts that have been compromised.
Web filtering and DNS security block access to harmful domains as well as known phishing sites.
Least privilege and Role-based Access Control (RBAC): Limit what an account that has been compromised can do.
Segmentation of networks: Restrict lateral motion in the event that an attacker gains access.
Privileged Access Workstations (PAWs): For high-risk jobs (finance or admin) make use of dedicated, hardened machines.

Process and policy

verified communication channels You must have a second-channel confirmation for transactions, high-risk requests or resets of credential (phone call to a specified number, or in-person confirmation).
Workflows that require strict approval in relation to financial transactions as well as changes to the vendor (two-person requirement).
Access control for physical access: Anti-tailgating measures, visitors escorts, as well as badge enforcement.
Third-party verification: Due diligence for vendors; check for unanticipated changes to vendor accounts with independent contact information.

Human-focused defenses

Regular phishing exercises specifically designed for specific job roles (finance HR, execs, finance) and a specific follow-up education to avoid the failures.
Microlearning Microlearning is a short, frequently-used training module (2-5 minutes) covering topics such as identifying Phishing, SMiShing, or remote access security risks.
No-blame reporting culture Inspire employees to file any suspicious messages with no fear of being punished Quickly analyze and communicate the lesson learned.
Tabletop activities: Simulate realistic attacks to test response and detection.
Onboarding and role-based training: New hires should be aware of phishing, and roles with high risk should receive additional training.

What should you do if a social engineering attack is successful

Contain
- Remove the affected computers and accounts. Stop compromised credentials and close suspicious sessions.
Notify
- Contact your IT team and security and the leadership. If necessary, notify affected third parties (bank or customers, etc.).).
Preserve evidence
- Save the email headers as well as screenshots, call logs, and all malicious files to be analyzed and possibly law enforcement.
Eradicate & Recover
- Remove malware and rotate credentials, then restore clean backups and reimage hosts, if necessary.
Analyze & Learn
- Do a root-cause analysis to determine How did the attacker get around security measures? Repair the procedure or in to train.
Communicate
- Communication that is timely, transparent and clear to the affected parties reduces risk and increases trust. Respect the reporting obligations of regulatory and legal authorities.
Remediate policy & training
- Re-train teams that are affected, and alter defensive controls.

Exercises for training and awareness (practical)

Playbooks for phishing: Create realistic phishing templates that look like invoices from the vendor HR notices, HR invoices or executive requestsand then follow-up by delivering immediate, personalized micro-lessons.
Social engineering exercise: Teach employees how to verify help requests using directories that are official and ticket number.
Test for dropping USB drives: Test physical security by leaving unmarked drives, and tracking uptake. You can use the results to increase awareness.
Role-playing calls: Simulation of vishing attempts with employees who handle sensitive data and practice verification scripts.
Executive-specific drills Check the C-suite’s security with spear-phishing simulations that replicate their public-facing data.
Phish-or Fish boards: Weekly summaries of actual phishing attempts that the organization received (redacted) What warnings were not flagged and what to be on the lookout for.

Quick scripts and templates you can take on

Check-in scripts for the finance team (second-channel)

“I received an inquiry to transfer $X to the account Y. To ensure security, I’ll contact the vendor that is on the approved list of vendors to verify. Please hold, and I’ll notify you about your ticket.”

Helpdesk verification script

“I could assist you with resetting this, however I will need to confirm two things in your account including your employee ID as well as the last four digits of your number in the file. I will only allow your request to reset the account if you verify it through the contact in your directory for your company.”

Micro-message to staff members who clicked

“I clicked on a link that I should not have clicked on. My laptop has been disconnected from WiFi, and am transmitting this information to Security. Please let me know the what should be my next step.”

Encourage them to make use of short, action-oriented sentences in their reports. Speed is important.

Metrics for tracking (security leaders)

Click rate for Phishing and repeated offenders.
Mean Time to Detect (MTTD) and the mean the time it takes to react (MTTR) for the social engineering incidents.
The number of calls required to confirm transactions that are high risk with channels that are approved.
The results of the red-team social engineering exercises.
The number of suspicious messages reported and the percentage that leads to the need to take action (investigation or blocking).

Final thoughts

Create security as the firm’s muscle memory: pause, confirm and then escalate. These three steps, which are repeated by all, take away the majority of the responsibility from social engineers.

Social Engineering: How Hackers Exploit Human Psychology

Prevention & ProtectionThreats & Attacks

admin September 27, 2025