How to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering Attacks

What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is psychological manipulation that tricks people into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information. It exploits human nature rather than technical vulnerabilities.

Common Social Engineering Tactics

Pretexting

Creating a fabricated scenario:

• "This is IT, we need your password"
• "I'm from the bank fraud department"
• "There's been an accident, I need your info"

Phishing

Deceptive communications:

• Fake emails from trusted brands
• Fraudulent text messages
• Impersonation websites

Baiting

Offering something enticing:

• Free USB drives (infected)
• Too-good-to-be-true offers
• Fake prize notifications

Quid Pro Quo

Offering a service in exchange:

• Fake tech support
• Survey rewards for info
• Help in exchange for access

Tailgating

Physical access exploitation:

• Following employees into buildings
• Impersonating delivery persons
• Exploiting courtesy

Why Social Engineering Works

Psychological Triggers

• Authority - We comply with authority figures
• Urgency - Pressure reduces critical thinking
• Fear - Threats cloud judgment
• Reciprocity - We feel obligated to return favors
• Social proof - We follow others' actions
• Liking - We trust people we like

Protection Strategies

Verify Independently

• Don't use contact info provided by caller
• Look up official numbers independently
• Call back through verified channels

Question Urgency

• Legitimate organizations allow verification time
• Pressure = red flag
• Pause before acting

Protect Information

• Never share passwords
• Verify identity before sharing data
• Question unusual requests

Be Skeptical

• If it seems too good, it is
• Authority can be faked
• Verify through other channels

Secure Your Data

• Less available info = harder to manipulate
• Remove from data brokers
• Limit social media sharing

Common Scenarios

Fake Tech Support

"Microsoft" calls about virus:

• Microsoft doesn't call unsolicited
• Never give remote access
• Hang up and ignore

IRS/Government Impersonation

Threatening calls about taxes:

• IRS contacts by mail first
• Never demands gift cards
• Verify through irs.gov

Business Email Compromise

Boss emails requesting wire transfer:

• Verify through known phone number
• Question unusual requests
• Confirm in person if possible

Romance Scams

Online relationship asking for money:

• Never send money to online contacts
• Video verify identity
• Be wary of overseas contacts

GhostMyData Reduces Social Engineering Risk

Social engineers use your data against you. We help by:

• Removing info from data brokers
• Reducing publicly available data
• Making you harder to research
• Less information = less convincing pretexts

Protect yourself from manipulation with data removal.