What does 'social engineering' refer to in internet security?

Social engineering in internet security refers to the psychological manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. This technique exploits human psychology rather than technical hacking methods.

The essence of social engineering lies in creating a false sense of trust or urgency, encouraging targets to share sensitive data such as passwords, account numbers, or personal identification information. It can manifest in various forms, such as phishing emails, impersonation calls, or deceptive online interactions.

Understanding social engineering is critical for enhancing security awareness. By recognizing the tactics employed by malicious actors, individuals can better protect themselves and their organizations from security breaches that stem from human error. This highlights the importance of personal vigilance and education in cybersecurity efforts, as technical measures alone cannot prevent all breaches.