Social engineering

What is social engineering?

Social engineering is when someone tricks you into giving away confidential information or doing something that could put your security at risk. They might pretend to be someone you know (eg a colleague, classmate or even technical  support) to get access to things they shouldn’t.

How to avoid social engineering attacks

• Always verify the identity of individuals requesting sensitive information, even if they seem legitimate.
• Be cautious when receiving unexpected requests via e-mail, phone or social media, especially if they create a sense of urgency. 
• Avoid sharing personal or organisational information on social platforms.
• Train yourself to recognise manipulation tactics, such as playing on emotions, flattery or threats.
• Report suspicious interactions immediately.