How to Prevent Social Engineering: Essential Security Practices

Imagine a world where cybercriminals don’t just hack into systems, but also into people’s minds. This is precisely what happens in the sinister world of Social Engineering, where hackers manipulate human psychology to gain access to sensitive information. It’s not just a technical breach—it’s a psychological one. But fear not! This blog on How to Prevent Social Engineering attacks is your ally in deciphering what this form of Cyber crime entails. Read on and stay one step ahead of these digital deceivers! 

Table of Content 

1) What is Social Engineering? 

2) How to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks? 

a) Review the Source   

b) Terminate the Loop 

c) Request Identification 

d) Confirm Email Sender's Authenticity 

e) Utilise Multi-factor Authentication 

f) Continuously Monitor Key Systems 

3) Conclusion 

What is Social Engineering? 

When we think about Cyber Security, most think about defending ourselves against hackers who use technological vulnerabilities to attack data networks. However, there's another way into organisations and networks: taking advantage of human weaknesses in a process known as Social Engineering, which involves tricking someone into divulging information or enabling access to data networks. 

For example, an intruder could pose as an IT helpdesk staff member and request information such as usernames and passwords. It's surprising how many people don't think twice about sharing this information, especially if it is a legitimate request.  

This highlights the need for caution when sharing sensitive information, making us more aware and less susceptible to Social Engineering tactics. Simply put, Social Engineering uses deception to manipulate individuals into enabling access or divulging information or data.
 

How to Prevent Social Engineering Attacks? 

Social Engineering attacks are complicated to counter since they are expressly designed to play on basic human traits, such as respect for authority, curiosity, or the desire to help one's friends. Several tips can help detect Social Engineering attacks. Let's explore them: 

Review the Source 

Remember, you have the power to verify the source of any communication. Whether it's an unidentified USB stick, a phone call from someone saying you've inherited a large sum of money, or an email from your "CEO" asking for information on individual employees - all of this sounds suspicious and should be treated as such. 

You can verify these yourselves. For example, with an email, it's as simple as looking at the email header and comparing it to valid emails from the same sender. Checking the destination of links is also straightforward - spoofed hyperlinks are easy to detect by simply hovering your cursor over them. Make sure you don't click the link. 

Even checking the spelling can quickly identify a fake. Banks have entire teams of qualified people dedicated to producing customer communications. Hence, an email with glaring errors is most likely a fake. In case of doubt, go to the official website and contact an official representative. They can confirm whether the email or message is official or fake. 

Terminate the Loop 

Remember, Social Engineering is often dependent on a sense of urgency. as the attackers hope their targets will not think too hard about what's happening. So, just taking some time to think can help you avoid these attacks or show them for what they are — fakes. Stay cautious and vigilant. 

Visit the official website URL or ring the official number rather than clicking on a link or giving data out on the phone. Use a different method of communication to verify the source's credibility. For example, if you get an email from a friend asking you for money, text them on their phone or call them to verify whether it’s them. 

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Request Identification 

One of the most straightforward Social Engineering attacks involves bypassing security to enter a building by carrying an armful of files or a large box. This happens because some helpful person will often hold the door open. Make sure you don’t fall for this, and always ask for ID. 

The same applies to other approaches, too. Checking the caller's name and number or asking, "Who do you report to?" should be an essential response to such requests for information. Then, check the organisation’s chart or phone directory before providing private information or personal data.  

If you don’t know the individual requesting the information and still don’t feel comfortable parting with it, tell them you need to double-check with someone else and that you will get back to them. 

Confirm Email Sender's Authenticity 

Most scams involve falsely obtaining victims' information by pretending to be a trusted entity. In a phishing attack, attackers send email messages that may appear like they are from a trusted sender, such as a credit card company, a bank, an online store, or a social networking site. The emails often tell a story to make you click on a false link which looks legitimate. 

To avoid this kind of Social Engineering threat, contact the claimed sender of the email message and confirm whether he sent it or not. Remember, legitimate banks will not ask for your authorised credentials or confidential information through email. 

Utilise Multi-factor Authentication 

While passwords are a basic security measure, they are not foolproof. Relying solely on a password leaves your account vulnerable, as it can be easily guessed or obtained. This is why multi-factor verification is essential for strong account security. 

Multi-factor verification can take various forms, from biometric access and security questions to an OTP code. This variety ensures you can pick the method that aligns with your needs and enhances your account security. 

Continuously Monitor Key Systems 

Make sure your system, which houses sensitive information, is monitored 24 x 7. Certain exploiting tactics, like Trojans, sometimes depend on a vulnerable system. Scanning external and internal systems with web vulnerability scanners can help find vulnerabilities in your system.  

Additionally, conducting a Social Engineering engagement at least once a year is essential. This helps assess your employees' susceptibility to Social Engineering threats. Any identified fake domains can be promptly taken down to prevent potential copyright infringement online. 

Prioritise Privacy 

The key to any successful Social Engineering attack is good research, as attackers will comb the internet for any information they can get on their victim. The attacker will then use this information to strengthen their attack. For example, they may look at your social media accounts for any personal details that may help them create a convincing story or character to manipulate their victims. 

Hence, it's crucial that you be careful about what you share online and who can see your online profiles. One effective way to protect your personal information is by setting stringent privacy controls on your social media accounts. Additionally, ensure that the information you share online, such as an online resume, is appropriately curated.  

For example, including your date of birth, phone number, or email address in your online resume could provide attackers with additional ammunition for their Social Engineering tactics. 

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Educate and Inform 

The best way to avoid falling prey to Social Engineering attacks is to understand and stay ahead of hackers. To do this, individuals must familiarise themselves with common Social Engineering attacks and how attackers behave. By doing so, you can better identify Social Engineering attempts that surpass your initial defences, like your spam filter on your email. This is essential education in the modern world of online threats. 

Proceed with Caution 

When you sense a sudden urgency in a conversation, being cautious is crucial. Malicious actors often use this tactic to prevent their targets from fully considering the situation. If you're feeling pressured, it's vital to slow down the interaction. Inform the other party that you need time to gather the information, consult your manager, or that you currently lack the necessary details. 

This will buy you time to think and respond appropriately. Most of the time, social engineers will not try their luck if they realise they've lost the advantage of surprise. 

Verify SSL Certificates 

Securing your data, emails, and communication is a top priority. One effective way to do this is by obtaining SSL certificates from trusted authorities. These certificates play a key role in ensuring that even if hackers intercept your communication, they won’t be able to access the information contained within. 

Furthermore, always verify the site that asks for your sensitive information. You can do that by checking the URLs. URLs that start with https:// can be considered trusted and encrypted websites. Meanwhile, websites with https:// do not offer a secure connection. 

Activate Spam Filters

Enable Spam filters and close the door for offenders of Social Engineering security threats. Spam filters provide vital services to protect your inboxes from Social Engineering attacks. Most email service providers offer spam filters that hold the emails deemed suspicious. With spam features, you can categorise emails effortlessly and be freed from the horrible tasks of identifying mistrustful emails. 

Identify Critical Assets Targeted by Criminals 

Most companies generally focus on protecting their assets from the perspective of their business. However, hackers will not necessarily take that approach when targeting your company. They always target the assets that are valuable to them. 

You should evaluate from the attacker’s perspective and identify what to protect, considering assets beyond your product, service, or intellectual property. Independent Assessment is the best tool for determining which of your assets criminals are most likely to target.

Deploy Next-generation Cloud-based WAF 

You’re probably already employing a firewall within your business, but a next-generation web application cloud-based WAF is designed to ensure maximum protection against Social Engineering attacks. The Cloud-based WAF is very different from the traditional WAF that most companies deploy. 

It can consistently monitor a web application or website for abnormal activity and misbehaviour. Although Social Engineering threats depend on human mistakes, they will block attacks and alert you to any malware installations. Implementing risk-based WAF is one of the best ways to prevent Social Engineering attacks and any potential infiltration. 

Be Mindful of Your Digital Footprint 

Oversharing of personal details through social media can give these criminals more information with which to work. For instance, if you keep your resume online, consider censoring your date of birth, phone number, and residential address.  

All that information is helpful for attackers who are planning a Social Engineering threat. We recommend that you keep your social media settings to “friends only” and think twice before sharing anything on social media. 

Empower Through Knowledge 

It is crucial to ask yourself if the source of communication you receive has the information you expect it to have, such as your date of birth, full name, or address. For example, many of these Social Engineering tactics masquerade as an authoritative figure, like an employee from a bank or government institution. 

Still, when making requests, they need to have your information and follow a protocol like an actual government or bank employee would, including asking security questions before making any changes to your account. Therefore, it's important that you gain knowledge on how bank and government employees communicate. It will help you identify Social Engineering attempts. 

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Conduct Penetration Testing 

The most effective approach to preventing Social Engineering attacks is conducting a pen test to detect and exploit vulnerabilities in your organisation. Suppose your pen tester succeeds in endangering your critical system. In that case, you can identify which systems or employees you need to concentrate on protecting and the types of Social Engineering attacks you may be susceptible to, including Whaling attacks targeting top-level executives.

Regularly Check and Update Security Patches 

Cybercriminals generally look for weaknesses in your application, software, or overall system to gain unauthorised access to your data. As a preventive measure, always keep your security patches up to date and your web browsers and systems up to date with the latest versions. 

This is because companies release security patches as a response whenever they uncover security loopholes. Maintaining your systems with the recent release will reduce the possibility of cyber-attacks and ensure a cyber-resilient environment. 

Conclusion 

Learning How to Prevent Social Engineering is essential in today's digital landscape of rapidly proliferating Cyber threats. From educating employees and updating security patches to monitoring their digital footprint, these steps can reduce the risk of being victimised by Social Engineering Attacks and build a security-aware culture.