What Is Social Engineering?
Social Engineering is a term that refers to the psychological manipulation of individuals to perform specific actions or reveal confidential information. These practices are commonly used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to data, systems, or networks. The end goal is often to commit fraud, steal information, or disrupt operations.
Rather than exploiting computer systems or networks, social engineers exploit human vulnerability. They rely on the fact that people are often the weakest link in any security system. The technique involves tricking individuals into breaking standard security protocols, often through deception and manipulation.
Understanding social engineering is essential because it’s not just about technology. It’s about people, their behaviors, and their susceptibility to manipulation. Social engineers are skilled at understanding human behavior and exploiting it to their advantage. They use various tactics to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or even bank account details.
Notable Social Engineering Attacks and Tactics Expected in 2024
As we look towards the future, it’s crucial to anticipate the potential threats that lie ahead. In the realm of social engineering, several advanced tactics are expected to rise in prominence in 2024. Here are some of the notable social engineering attacks and techniques we should prepare for.
The Rise of Quishing
A significant evolution in social engineering tactics is the emergence of “quishing,” or QR code phishing. This method exploits the widespread use of QR codes for various transactions and information sharing. In quishing, cybercriminals embed malicious links into QR codes. When individuals scan these QR codes, expecting legitimate content or transactions, they are instead directed to phishing websites or inadvertently download malware onto their devices. This tactic is particularly insidious because QR codes are often perceived as safe and are widely used in everyday activities, from restaurant menus to payment systems.
Quishing attacks can be highly targeted and disguised in seemingly trustworthy contexts, such as QR codes on public posters, in emails, or on websites. The nature of QR codes – a simple scan – makes it easy for attackers to bypass traditional vigilance that users might apply to clickable links. To combat this threat, individuals and organizations must become more cautious about scanning QR codes. They should verify the source of the QR code, especially in unsolicited emails or suspicious locations. Additionally, it is advised to use QR code scanning apps with built-in security features, making it possible to check the safety of links encoded in QR codes.
Deepfake Technology in Social Engineering
Another notable tactic expected to rise in 2024 is the use of deepfake technology in social engineering attacks. Deepfake technology uses AI to create fake videos or audio recordings that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. This technology can be used to impersonate individuals and influence people’s actions and decisions.
In the context of social engineering, deepfake technology can be used to create convincing fake video or audio messages from trusted individuals or organizations. These messages can then be used to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their security.
Rise of AI-Enabled Scams
AI is not just a tool for legitimate businesses and organizations. Cybercriminals are also expected to leverage AI technology to carry out more sophisticated social engineering attacks in 2024. These AI-enabled scams can include anything from advanced phishing attacks to more complex scams that use AI to mimic human behavior and communication.
For example, an AI-enabled scam could involve a chatbot that mimics a customer service representative. This bot could convince a victim to reveal sensitive information or perform a detrimental action, all while appearing to be a legitimate representative.
Targeted Ransomware Scams
Ransomware scams are a type of social engineering attack where a cybercriminal encrypts a victim’s data and demands a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. In 2024, we can expect these attacks to become even more targeted.
Instead of launching wide-scale attacks, cybercriminals will likely focus on specific organizations or individuals with high-value data. By targeting these entities, criminals can demand higher ransoms and increase their chances of getting paid.
Mobile-Based Scams
As more people rely on their mobile devices for various activities, mobile-based scams are also expected to rise in 2024. These scams can take many forms, including phishing attacks via text messages, malicious apps disguised as legitimate ones, and scams that exploit vulnerabilities in mobile operating systems.
Protecting Yourself and Your Organization From Social Engineering Attacks
The primary step towards safeguarding yourself and your organization from social engineering attacks is recognizing the need for robust protective measures. In 2024, cybercriminals have become more cunning, using advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. Therefore, a combination of technological and educational defenses is needed to counter these threats effectively.
Implement Strict Access Controls
Adopting strict access controls is a fundamental practice in preventing social engineering attacks. Access controls limit who can access what within your network or system, reducing the potential points of exploitation. The principle of least privilege (PoLP) goes hand in hand with this, allowing users access to only what they need to perform their tasks. This principle minimizes the risk of accidental exposure of sensitive data and reduces the potential damage if a user’s account is compromised.
In 2024, PoLP is not just a suggested practice but a necessity. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) and targeted spear-phishing attacks can compromise high-privilege accounts, leading to significant data breaches. Therefore, it is vital to regularly review user privileges, ensuring that they align with the responsibilities and roles of the individuals.
Limit the Amount of Personal Information Shared Online
One of the most effective ways to thwart social engineering attacks is by controlling the amount of personal information shared online. Social engineering exploits human psychology, and the more information an attacker has about an individual, the easier it is to manipulate them. Therefore, limiting the amount of personal data shared online can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.
In the age of social media, where oversharing is commonplace, this might seem challenging. However, simple measures such as adjusting privacy settings, being mindful of what you post, and refraining from sharing sensitive information like birth dates, addresses, and phone numbers can go a long way in protecting you from social engineering attacks. Organizations can encourage their employees to limit sharing of personal information, to promote both the security of the organization and security of their private online accounts.
Vendor and Third-Party Risk Management
In the interconnected world of 2024, businesses often rely on multiple vendors and third-party services. While these relationships can bring about many benefits, they also introduce additional risks. If a vendor’s security is compromised, it can serve as a gateway for attackers to infiltrate your organization.
A robust vendor and third-party risk management strategy can help mitigate these risks. This includes conducting thorough security assessments of potential vendors, ensuring they comply with the necessary security standards. Regular audits and monitoring of these relationships can also help identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.
Employ Email Filters and Anti-Phishing Tools
Lastly, employing email filters and anti-phishing tools can significantly reduce the risk of social engineering attacks. These tools can detect and filter out suspicious emails, reducing the chances of phishing attacks. They can also alert users to potential threats, promoting a culture of security awareness within the organization.
In 2024, these tools have become more advanced, capable of identifying even the most sophisticated phishing attempts. However, they are only as effective as the individuals using them. Therefore, combining these tools with regular training and awareness initiatives is key to a robust defense against social engineering attacks.
Regular Training and Simulated Attacks
Aside from technological defenses, equipping your employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to social engineering attacks is crucial. Regular training sessions can help raise awareness about the various forms of social engineering attacks and how to avoid them. Topics can range from the dangers of clicking on unknown links to the importance of verifying the identity of an individual before sharing sensitive information.
Simulated attacks are another effective method of training. These exercises mimic real-life scenarios, providing employees with a practical understanding of how social engineering attacks occur and how to respond appropriately. By exposing them to controlled attacks, you can identify potential areas of weakness and improve your organization’s overall security posture.
In conclusion, protecting yourself and your organization from social engineering threats in 2024 requires a comprehensive approach that combines robust technological defenses with regular training and awareness initiatives. By adhering to the principle of least privilege, limiting the amount of personal information shared online, managing third-party risks, conducting regular training, and employing email filters and anti-phishing tools, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.
Author Bio: Gilad David Maayan
Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.