Project Athena
  • Welcome
  • Module 00 - Mindset
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Introduction to the Offensive Security Mindset
      • Curiosity, Creativity, Persistence
      • Maintaining a Healthy Mindset
  • Module 01 - Ethics and Legal
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Hacker Ethics
      • Legal Framework
      • Legal Framework in Germany
  • Module 02 - Reconnaissance
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Introduction to Reconnaissance
      • Information Gathering
      • Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
      • Social Engineering
      • Search Engines for Reconnaissance
  • Module 03 - Penetration Testing
    • Introduction
  • Module 04 - Web Security
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Introduction to Web
      • Security Features of the Browser
      • Client Side Vulnerabilities
      • Server Side Vulnerabilities
  • Module 05 - Hacking with Python
    • Introduction
  • Module 06 - Assembly
    • Introduction
  • Module 07 - Reverse Engineering
    • Introduction
  • Module 08 - Binary Exploitation
    • Introduction
  • Module 09 - Forensics
    • Introduction
  • Module 10 - Metasploit
    • Introduction
  • Module 11 - Linux and Server Security
    • Introduction
  • Module 12 - Windows and AD Security
    • Introduction
  • Module 13 - Blue Teaming
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Overview
      • Firewalls
      • Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems
      • Incident Response
      • Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
  • Module 14 - Cryptography
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • What is Cryptography?
      • Symmetric Cryptography
      • Asymmetric Cryptography
      • Cryptographic Attacks
  • Module 15 - Password Cracking
    • Introduction
  • Module 16 - Hardware Hacking
    • Introduction
  • Module 17 - Cloud Security
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Overview of Cloud Security
      • Comparison of Server Types: Cloud, Dedicated, and Shared Servers
      • User and Permission Management in Cloud Platforms
      • Containerization Overview:
      • Cloud Computing Security Concepts:
      • Secure DevOps in the Cloud
      • Exploring Key Certifications and Standards in On-Premises and Cloud Security
  • Module 18 - Mobile Security
    • Introduction
  • Module 19 - Wireless Security
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • The Wireless Network Architecture
      • WiFi Security Fundamentals
      • WiFi Authentication and Encryption Mechanisms
      • WiFi Attack Vectors
      • Wireless Penetration Testing Tools and Techniques
      • Best Practices for Securing Wireless Networks
  • Module 20 - RATs and Rootkits
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Remote Access Trojans
      • What is a Rootkit?
  • Module 21 - AI in offensive Security
    • Introduction
  • Module 22 - Social Engineering
    • Introduction
    • Lectures
      • Introduction to Social Engineering
      • Types of Social Engineerings Attacks
      • Stages of a Social Engineering Attack
      • Psychological Principles behind Social Engineering
      • Tools and Techniques for Social Engineering
      • Prevention and Defense against Social Engineering Attacks
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Types of Social Engineerings Attacks

PreviousIntroduction to Social EngineeringNextStages of a Social Engineering Attack

Last updated 1 year ago

In the rapidly changing and complex world of cybersecurity, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the wide range of social engineering attacks. These tactics take advantage of the vulnerabilities in human psychology. By unraveling this digital puzzle, individuals and organisations can better protect themselves against these strategies and safeguard their sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

  1. Phishing: Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from a trusted source, urging you to click a link or share sensitive information. This is the essence of phishing. Cybercriminals craft emails, messages, or websites that mimic reputable entities to trick individuals into divulging personal data.

  2. Pretexting: In the world of pretexting, the attacker weaves a fabricated scenario to manipulate individuals into sharing information. This could involve posing as a co-worker, IT personnel, or another figure of trust to extract confidential details.

  3. Baiting: Baiting lures victims with the promise of something enticing, such as a free software download or a tempting link. Little do they know, these digital treats come with a hidden cost – the compromise of their security.

  4. Quid Pro Quo: Quid pro quo attacks involve the exchange of something valuable in return for information. For instance, an attacker might pose as technical support, offering assistance in exchange for login credentials or other sensitive data.

  5. Impersonation: The art of impersonation involves pretending to be someone else, whether it's a colleague, boss, or even a trusted service provider. Through social media, email, or other communication channels, attackers exploit this guise to manipulate victims.

  6. Tailgating (Piggybacking): In the physical realm, tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person follows someone with legitimate access into a secure area. In the digital realm, it involves gaining access to restricted areas by exploiting the trust of an authorized individual.

Understanding these types of social engineering attacks is like building a shield against the unseen threats lurking in the digital shadows. By recognizing the tactics employed by cyber adversaries, individuals can fortify their defenses and navigate the online world with greater resilience.

Sources:

  • Krebs on Security -

  • SANS Institute -

  • Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) -

  • Wikipedia -

https://krebsonsecurity.com/
https://www.sans.org/
https://www.cisa.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_engineering_(security)