In today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just about firewalls, encryption, and antivirus software. While those technical controls are still crucial, the real battlefield has shifted to something far more unpredictable and challenging to control: human behavior.
Social engineering, the art of manipulating people to give up confidential information or perform actions that compromise security, is rising. And it’s working. In fact, social engineering is now one of the most effective tools in a threat actor’s playbook.
Whether targeting the C-suite, IT personnel, or front-line staff, attackers are finding success not by breaking in, but by tricking someone into opening the door.
Recent publicly revealed examples include:
- A fake email impersonating the CEO of an aeronautics company led to a finance department employee wiring €50 million supposedly for one of the company’s acquisition projects.
- In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) warned healthcare providers about social engineering attacks in which IT help desks were targeted in an attempt to access provider systems and networks.
- A finance worker at a multinational firm was tricked into paying out $25 million to fraudsters using deepfake technology to pose as the company’s chief financial officer in a video conference call.
What Is Social Engineering?
At its core, social engineering relies on deception rather than technical skill. The method involves exploiting psychological triggers—such as trust, urgency, or fear—to influence someone’s decision-making. Some of the most common social engineering techniques include:
- Phishing: Fraudulent emails or messages that trick recipients into revealing credentials, clicking malicious links, or downloading malware. Variants include smishing (text message-based attacks) and vishing (voice phishing over the phone).
- Pretexting: Attackers create a fabricated scenario to gain information or access, such as posing as a bank representative or IT support staff.
- Baiting: Using the promise of something enticing (like a free download or a found USB drive) to lure victims.
- Tailgating or piggybacking: Physically following authorized personnel into restricted areas.
- Business email compromise (BEC): Impersonating a trusted party to convince someone to transfer funds or data.
Why Social Engineering Is Surging Now
With remote and hybrid work models, traditional security perimeters have dissolved, creating more opportunities for threat actors. Employees face constant information overload, making them more likely to click on fraudulent messages.
Meanwhile, AI-powered tools let attackers create hyper-personalized phishing campaigns that look legitimate. Add in social media oversharing, and it’s easy for hackers to gather intel and impersonate trusted contacts.
The Human Factor: Why It Works
Social engineering attacks succeed because attackers leverage urgency to short-circuit critical thinking and exploit common psychological triggers. Messages framed with urgency (“Act now”), authority (“From your manager”), or fear (“You’re out of compliance”) can push people to act without thinking.
Fear-based approaches about compliance violations or security breaches can trigger immediate responses. Other messages, like fake password requests or suspicious incentive offers, appeal to our curiosity.
Defending Against Social Engineering
Social engineering remains the path of least resistance for threat actors targeting businesses. Effective defense requires a multi-layered approach that combines human awareness with technological controls:
Ongoing and Scenario-Based Security Awareness Training
Security awareness training must be ongoing and scenario-based, not just annual checkbox exercises. Employees need practical examples of current phishing tactics and manipulation methods relevant to their roles.
Simple and Accessible Reporting Procedures
Establish clear reporting procedures that are simple and accessible. When employees suspect an attack, they should know precisely how to report it without fear of punishment, even if they’ve already clicked a suspicious link.
Implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) provides critical protection when credentials are compromised. Implement phishing-resistant options like hardware keys or push notifications with number-matching where possible.
Establishment of Procedural Controls for Sensitive Activities
Implement procedural controls for sensitive activities. Require verbal confirmation for wire transfers, establish separation of duties for financial transactions, and create approval workflows for data access requests.
Leveraging Threat Intelligence and Monitoring
Leverage threat intelligence and monitoring to stay ahead of evolving tactics. Deploy tools to identify suspicious behaviors and alert security teams to potential compromises before damage occurs.
The most successful social engineering defense programs balance technology and human factors—recognizing that both are essential to your security posture.
Cybercriminals are no longer just hackers in hoodies—they’re skilled manipulators. The best defense is not just smarter tools but smarter teams. Whether you’re an executive, IT leader, or business stakeholder, building a culture of awareness is essential.
Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue—it’s a people issue. And it’s time we treat it that way. To learn more about protecting your organization’s infrastructure and data, contact us.
