Cyber security is primarily about knowing who and what to trust when it comes to protecting your digital information. Even the strongest security systems are vulnerable when the people accessing those systems are tricked into giving away sensitive information such as login credentials or account details.

Cyber criminals often use human psychology and the art of manipulation to scare, confuse or rush you into opening a malicious link or attachment or into providing personal information through a process known as "social engineering." By understanding the mechanics behind social engineering attacks, businesses can fortify their defenses and safeguard their assets against cybercriminals who manipulate employees to breach security protocols.

Cybercriminals deploy social engineering with meticulous planning, often involving a deep dive into potential vulnerabilities they can exploit within a company. The weakest link, surprisingly, is not always technological but human. Employees can inadvertently become gateways for attackers due to the manipulative tactics of social engineering. These tactics hinge on studying victims closely, leveraging emotional triggers such as urgency, greed, or empathy, and gradually building trust to infiltrate a company's network.

Cybercriminals meticulously gather information on their targets through public sources like websites and social media, akin to chess players strategizing moves in advance. This preparatory work lays the groundwork for a stealthy assault on the company's defenses.

To counteract social engineering, organizations must assess potential risks and establish robust controls. This involves scrutinizing publicly available information that could be exploited and implementing stringent cybersecurity measures: