5 Common Social Engineering Tactics Threat Actors Use to Steal Your Data

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Social engineering is a tactic used by hackers to manipulate people into giving away sensitive information or taking actions that compromise their security. In this blog post, we will discuss five common social engineering tactics that threat actors use to steal your data:

Phishing
This is the most common social engineering tactic used by hackers. They send fake emails, text messages or make fake phone calls that appear to be from a legitimate source to trick the user into clicking on a link or downloading a file that contains malware.

Baiting
Hackers use baiting by leaving USB drives or CDs in public places like coffee shops or parking lots. These drives contain malware that can infect the user’s computer when plugged in.

Pretexting
This is a tactic where a hacker impersonates someone else, like a bank representative, to gain access to sensitive information. They may call or email the user to ask for personal details like account numbers, passwords or other confidential information.

Tailgating
In this tactic, a hacker gains access to a secure location by following an authorized person through a locked door or gate. They can then steal data or plant malware on a company’s network.

Quid pro quo
This is a tactic where the hacker promises the user something in exchange for their information. For example, they may offer a free gift card in exchange for the user’s credit card information.

To protect yourself from social engineering attacks, you should always be skeptical of unsolicited emails or phone calls, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never share sensitive information unless you’re sure of the source’s legitimacy. Additionally, keeping your software and antivirus up-to-date can help prevent malware attacks.