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  Social engineering attacks are a growing threat in today’s world. These attacks rely on manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information, gaining unauthorized access to systems, or executing harmful actions. This could happen through email, phone calls, or social media. You must know the best practices for avoiding social engineering attacks.
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Fortunately, there are several strategies and best practices that can help you protect yourself and your organization from falling victim to social engineering scams.

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Communications

Social engineers often utilize a tactic called phishing. This involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data, through emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. Always be suspicious of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages that request personal or financial information. Tip: When in doubt, verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the company or person directly using official contact details—don’t rely on contact information provided in the suspicious communication.

Don’t Share Personal Information Freely

Social engineers sometimes try to gain access to sensitive information by building a rapport with their targets. They may pose as someone you know or claim to be from a reputable organization. Once they’ve gained your trust, they can use the information you provide to manipulate or deceive you further. Tip: Avoid sharing personal details such as your address, phone number, or passwords over the phone, email, or social media unless you’re sure about the requestor’s identity.

Educate and Train Employees

In organizations, employees are usually the first line of defence against social engineering attacks. Phishing and pretexting (where attackers create a false narrative to extract information) typically rely on the manipulation of human behaviour, which can be mitigated through proper training and awareness. Tip: Regularly conduct training sessions that simulate common social engineering techniques and teach employees how to recognize suspicious communications. Also, encourage them to report any unusual requests or incidents immediately.

Use Strong Authentication Methods

Attackers may try to steal usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access to accounts or systems. A single data breach can expose thousands of users to social engineering risks. Tip: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access your accounts. This makes it much harder for attackers to gain entry.

Be Cautious on Social Media

While social media can help you stay connected with friends and family, it also provides a treasure trove of personal information for attackers. Social engineers frequently mine these platforms to learn more about their targets, using details such as job titles, interests, or location to craft convincing attacks. Tip: Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media. Adjust your privacy settings to restrict access to your posts, and be mindful of what you share with friends and followers. And, always think twice before clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Verify Requests for Sensitive Information

Many social engineering attacks hinge on urgency. Attackers could pretend to be a boss, co-worker, or authority figure and ask for confidential data with a sense of immediacy. It’s essential not to act impulsively in these situations. Tip: If you receive a request for sensitive information, take a moment to verify its authenticity. Call or message the person directly using a known, trusted contact method before providing any details. Remember, legitimate requests will not pressure you into immediate action.
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Regularly Update Software and Security Systems

Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in software and systems to execute social engineering attacks. Outdated software can create opportunities for attackers to bypass security measures and carry out their schemes more effectively. Tip: Ensure that your operating systems, antivirus software, and applications are updated regularly to patch known vulnerabilities. Installing these updates can protect your system from a variety of cyber threats, including those leveraged in social engineering attacks.

Monitor Accounts and Systems for Unusual Activity

Even with preventive measures in place, it’s crucial to monitor your accounts and systems for any signs of unusual behaviour. Social engineering attacks can sometimes go unnoticed for a while, giving attackers ample time to exploit your data. Tip: Set up alerts for suspicious activities on your accounts or devices. If you detect any unauthorized transactions or changes, take immediate action by reporting the incident and changing your passwords.

Don’t Fall for “Too Good to Be True” Offers

Fraudulent schemes will sometimes offer deals that seem too good to be true, such as “free” prizes or exclusive discounts. These offers are often designed to trick individuals into providing personal details or clicking on malicious links. Tip: Always exercise caution when receiving unexpected offers. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Verify the authenticity of such offers before taking any action.

Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

Finally, it’s important to act quickly if you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a social engineering attack. The sooner you report the incident, the faster it can be addressed, minimizing potential damage. Tip: If you believe you’ve been targeted by a social engineering attack, report the incident to your IT department or the relevant authorities. Early detection and response are crucial to preventing further harm.
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Conclusion

Social engineering attacks continue to pose significant threats to individuals and organizations alike. However, if you take the right precautions, you will greatly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to these deceptive tactics.
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This article was first published on 19th February 2025
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ikenna-nwachukwu

Ikenna Nwachukwu holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He loves to look at the world through multiple lenses- economic, political, religious and philosophical- and to write about what he observes in a witty, yet reflective style.

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