Social Engineering Attacks in Digital AgeHave you or someone you know ever received a text message asking for your ATM PIN?
Perhaps you've encountered a request for your Aadhaar card number in exchange for a few
hundred rupees? Or maybe you've received an unexpected call from your phone service provider attempting to verify your personal information? If any of these situations sound familiar, you could be the target of a sophisticated cyber-attack known as social engineering.
In social engineering attacks, scammers manipulate human psychology to extract confidential information from you. They later use or sell this information to commit fraudulent activities.
Unlike other cyber threats, such as malware or computer viruses, which can often be mitigated with antivirus software, social engineering attacks are much harder to defend against due to their reliance on human interaction and trust. The best defense against these attacks is awareness and vigilance, ensuring that you always verify the authenticity of unexpected communications and requests for personal information.
There exists a variety of social engineering attacks. A common type of attack is known as Phishing (pronounced "fish-ing"), where scammers send emails that seem to be from your bank, asking you to confirm your debit card number and PIN.
Another type of attack is Vishing (Voice-Phishing), which involves scammers calling you and creating a sense of urgency, such as pretending to be from your IT department, to coerce you into making money transfers.
Baiting is another prevalent tactic, where scammers offer prizes, coupons, or money in exchange for personal information. For example, they might ask you to share your Aadhaar card number for a chance to win in a lucky draw.
Social engineering tactics evolved with the advancement of technology and increased digital communication. With the rise in technology adoption, social engineering attacks have also advanced and become increasingly personalized. Scammers now exploit information from social media platforms like Facebook to manipulate and gain your trust.
Moreover, attackers often use spoofing technologies to disguise their phone numbers. As a result, the number displayed on your caller ID might appear to be from a legitimate source, such as your bank, but it can easily be fabricated.
However, there are some telltale signs that an individual might be the target of a social engineering attack. Unexpected requests for PINs or OTPs, offers that seem too good to be true, and phone calls that create a false sense of urgency are clear warning signs of a potential attack. Additionally, unfamiliar emails or incorrect email addresses can help you identify such threats.
All is not lost. As individuals we can take to protect themselves against social engineering attacks. When in doubt, simply hang up. In today's world, data is the new oil, and scammers
will go to great lengths to obtain it. Be aware of red flags: no legitimate organization will ask for your ATM PIN, and no government entity will demand payment over the phone.
If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank, verify the caller's identity by contacting the bank through an official phone line. Avoid clicking on attachments or WhatsApp forwards from unknown senders.
Setting up multi-factor authentication for your financial accounts can provide an additional line of defense. Limit sharing personal information on social media platforms like Facebook; keep your address and phone number private.
a technology-driven world, the ongoing battle between scammers and cybersecurity experts is a constant cat-and-mouse game. Remaining vigilant and staying informed about the latest scams is crucial for defending against social engineering attacks.
About the author
Vinay Sheshadri is a Cyber Security expert at Cisco Systems in San Jose, USA. He has extensive hands-on experience working on complex cybersecurity software solutions. The opinions expressed are his own and do not reflect those of his employer. He can be reached at vinays.sheshadri@gmail.com
