Social Engineering
Social Engineering Overview
Preparation
Setting objectives, defining scope, and gathering intelligence for tailored tactics.
Execution
Conducting planned social engineering attacks and closely monitoring activities.
Analysis
Analyzing responses, assessing vulnerabilities, and identifying security strengths.
Reporting
Presenting detailed insights, findings, and actionable security recommendations.
Social Engineering
A social engineering pen test is a simulated attack that tests an organisation’s defences against human manipulation tactics.
It involves employing various social engineering techniques, such as phishing, pretexting, and baiting, to assess the vulnerability of employees to deceptive practices.
This test aims to identify weaknesses in human behaviour and organisational procedures, ultimately strengthening security awareness and resilience against real-world social engineering attacks.
An Social Engineering Engagement Includes:
- Pre-engagement meeting
- Bespoke scope of work
- Threat Modeling and Risk Assssment
- Execution of the Scope
- Data Analysis and Report Preparation
- Full Report – with discoveries and remediation
- Post-engagement meeting
Benefits of Social Engineering
Awareness & Training:
Enhances employee awareness and preparedness against social engineering threats.
Security Posture Assessment
Identifies vulnerabilities in policies, procedures, and behaviours.
Response and Prevention Strategies
Develops effective strategies for threat prevention and response.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensures regulatory compliance and improves overall risk management.
Cultural Change
Builds a vigilant, security-aware organisational culture
Real-world Testing
Offers real-life scenario testing for accurate employee response evaluation.
Understanding Social Engineering
Social engineering is a technique that exploits human error to gain private information or access to restricted areas. It relies on psychological manipulation, tricking unsuspecting individuals into breaking normal security procedures. Often using techniques such as fear, urgency, curiosity, greed and helpfulness.
In cyber security, social engineering involves deceptive tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or granting unauthorised access.
Social engineering is effective because it exploits the natural human tendency to trust. Attackers manipulate emotions like fear, curiosity, or the desire to be helpful, making individuals more likely to divulge confidential information or bypass security protocols.
Preventing social engineering attacks involves education and awareness. Regular training on recognising and responding to these tactics, implementing robust security protocols, and encouraging a culture of security mindfulness are key.Â
Social engineering is defined as the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.
Often Human’s are viewed as an easier target by adversaries. This weakness is exploited to commit fraud, access information and systems.
2020
Year Founded
2021
IASME Certification Body
4
Employees
50+
Years Experience
