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What happened
Social engineering involves manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information, typically for fraudulent purposes. This article explores the underlying motivations and techniques employed by social engineers, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education in countering such threats.
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Key insights
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Techniques of Social Engineering
Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than technological weaknesses. Common techniques include phishing, pretexting, and baiting, which trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.
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Psychological Manipulation
The success of social engineering is largely due to the manipulation of human emotions such as fear, greed, and curiosity. Attackers often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick, unthinking responses.
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Impact on Businesses
Businesses are increasingly targeted by social engineers due to the potential for accessing valuable data. Employee training and robust security protocols are vital in mitigating these risks.