As technology has become more advanced, cyber attackers have found ways to take advantage of social interactions, deception, and manipulation to gain access to sensitive information or systems. Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into revealing confidential information. It is a tactic that relies on human psychology and trust to achieve its goals. Social engineering is often used as part of a larger, multi-stage attack to gain access to a target’s network.
In this blog post, we will explore the most common social engineering techniques used by attackers, as well as real-world examples of successful social engineering attacks. We’ll also discuss how organizations can protect themselves from these attacks.
Phishing
Phishing is a social engineering technique that involves sending an email, text message, or social media message that appears to be from a reputable source, such as a bank, social media platform, or an online retailer. The message usually contains a link that, when clicked, takes the user to a fake login page where the attacker can steal their login credentials. Phishing attacks are often designed to look like legitimate communications, and the email or message may contain the organization’s logos or appear to come from a trusted source.
Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and attackers are using more targeted techniques. Spear phishing is a type of phishing that targets a specific person or group of people. Attackers use publicly available information, such as social media profiles, to create a personalized message that appears to be legitimate. These messages are often much more convincing than generic phishing emails, and as such, they have a higher success rate.
In 2016, the Democratic National Committee fell victim to a spear-phishing attack that was attributed to Russian hackers. The attackers sent an email to John Podesta, the chairman of Hillary Clinton’s campaign, that appeared to be from Google and requested that Podesta change his password. Podesta fell for the scam and entered his credentials into the fake login page, giving the attackers access to his email account and the entire DNC network.
Baiting
Baiting is a social engineering technique that involves offering something of value to a potential victim to entice them to take a specific action. For example, an attacker might leave a USB drive in a public place with a label indicating that it contains important information. When someone picks up the drive and plugs it into their computer, it executes malware that gives the attacker access to the victim’s system.
Baiting attacks rely on the curiosity or greed of the victim. The attacker may use the promise of valuable information or something that the victim wants to entice them into taking a specific action. This can be an effective way to get access to a target’s system or information.
In 2018, the US Department of Defense banned the use of USB drives after it was revealed that a virus had spread throughout their computer networks via infected drives left in parking lots and other public areas.
Pretexting
Pretexting involves creating a false pretext or story to gain a victim’s trust and persuade them to divulge sensitive information. For example, an attacker might impersonate an employee of a company’s IT department and call an employee, claiming that there has been a security breach and asking for their login credentials. The attacker may also impersonate a vendor or a customer to gain access to sensitive information.
Pretexting attacks often involve some form of social engineering, such as building rapport with the victim or establishing a sense of urgency. The attacker may use a variety of tactics to gain the victim’s trust, such as pretending to be an authority figure or using flattery.
In 2017, a group of attackers used pretexting to steal the tax records of over 100,000 people in the US. The attackers impersonated employees of the Internal Revenue Service and called the victims, claiming that they needed to verify their personal information to avoid penalties. The attackers used social engineering tactics to build rapport with the victims and convince them to provide their personal information.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a social engineering technique where an attacker gains physical access to a restricted area by following closely behind someone with legitimate access. For example, an attacker might wait outside a secure entrance and ask an employee to hold the door open for them, claiming that they forgot their keycard. Once the attacker is inside the restricted area, they can gain access to sensitive information or systems.
Tailgating attacks are effective because they rely on the natural human instinct to be helpful. The attacker may use social engineering tactics to build rapport with the person they are tailgating or to create a sense of urgency to get through the door. The attacker may also pose as a contractor, a delivery person, or an employee from another department.
In 2011, an attacker used tailgating to gain access to the data center of RSA Security, a leading provider of authentication and security solutions. The attacker followed an employee into the building and, once inside, used a zero-day vulnerability to steal sensitive data.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid Pro Quo is a social engineering technique where an attacker offers a service or benefit to a victim in exchange for sensitive information or access. For example, an attacker might call a victim and offer to install a security patch or software update in exchange for the victim’s login credentials. This technique can be effective because the victim feels that they are receiving something of value in exchange for their information.
Quid Pro Quo attacks often rely on the victim’s trust and authority bias. The attacker may pose as an IT professional or a technical support representative to create a sense of legitimacy. The attacker may also use a sense of urgency to get the victim to act quickly and provide the information.
In 2014, a group of attackers used quid pro quo tactics to gain access to the networks of several major US financial institutions. The attackers posed as IT support personnel and offered to help the victims with their technical issues. The attackers were able to steal login credentials and gain access to sensitive information.
Protecting Against Social Engineering
Social engineering attacks are difficult to prevent completely because they often rely on the natural human instinct to be helpful or trusting. However, there are several steps that organizations can take to reduce the risk of a successful attack.
Employee Training
The most effective way to prevent social engineering attacks is to train employees to recognize and avoid them. Employees should be trained to recognize suspicious emails, messages, or phone calls and to report them to the appropriate security personnel. Employees should also be trained to verify the identity of anyone requesting sensitive information or access.
Security Policies
Organizations should establish security policies that define the procedures for handling sensitive information or access requests. The policies should include guidelines for verifying the identity of anyone requesting access or information. The policies should also include guidelines for responding to social engineering attacks.
Technical Controls
Technical controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software, can also help protect against social engineering attacks. These controls can help detect and prevent the installation of malware or other malicious software. Technical controls can also help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems.
Conclusion
Social engineering attacks are a significant threat to organizations of all sizes. Attackers use a variety of tactics, such as phishing, baiting, pretexting, tailgating, and quid pro quo, to gain access to sensitive information or systems. To protect against social engineering attacks, organizations should train their employees to recognize and avoid these attacks, establish security policies, and use technical controls. By taking these steps, organizations can reduce the risk of a successful social engineering attack.