Ethical Hacking Questions Medium
Social engineering is a technique used by hackers to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that may compromise security. There are several common social engineering techniques employed by hackers, including:
1. Phishing: This involves sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a trusted organization. The aim is to trick the recipient into providing personal information, such as passwords or credit card details.
2. Pretexting: In pretexting, the hacker creates a false scenario or identity to gain the trust of the target. They may pose as a co-worker, a customer, or a service provider to extract sensitive information or gain unauthorized access.
3. Baiting: Baiting involves enticing the target with something desirable, such as a free USB drive or a gift card, in exchange for their personal information or access to their system. These physical or digital baits are designed to exploit curiosity or greed.
4. Tailgating: Also known as piggybacking, tailgating involves an attacker following an authorized person into a restricted area without proper authentication. By blending in with legitimate individuals, the hacker gains unauthorized access to secure locations.
5. Impersonation: Hackers may impersonate someone in a position of authority, such as a company executive or a technical support representative, to manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.
6. Reverse social engineering: In this technique, the hacker first gains the trust of the target by posing as a helpful individual. They then exploit this trust to extract sensitive information or gain unauthorized access.
7. Dumpster diving: This involves searching through trash or recycling bins to find discarded documents or devices that contain valuable information. Hackers can use this information to launch further attacks or gain unauthorized access.
It is important to note that these techniques rely on exploiting human psychology and vulnerabilities rather than technical vulnerabilities. Therefore, raising awareness, implementing security protocols, and educating individuals about these techniques are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with social engineering attacks.