Hackers use social engineering to manipulate people and obtain confidential information without the need to exploit technical flaws. They exploit trust, fear or urgency to trick victims into revealing sensitive data. ## <br>🔍 Common Social Engineering Techniques --- **1. Phishing** 👉 Sending fake emails that imitate legitimate communications, inducing the victim to provide credentials or download malware. **Example**: An email pretending to be from your bank asking you to “verify your account”. **2. Spear Phishing** 👉 Phone scams, where an attacker pretends to be a technical support employee or company representative. **Example**: A call informing you that your account has been compromised and asking you to provide your password. **3. Vishing (Voice Phishing)** 👉 Phone scams, where an attacker pretends to be a technical support employee or company representative. **Example**: A call informing you that your account has been compromised and asking you to provide your password. **4. Baiting** 👉 Luring victims with something tempting, like an infected USB stick or a link to a “free” download. **Example**: A hacker leaves a USB stick labeled “Payroll 2024” in a company parking lot. **5. Pretexting** 👉 Creating a false identity to deceive the victim. This can involve phone calls, messages or face-to-face meetings. **Example**: Someone poses as an IT technician and asks you to “reset your password” for security reasons. **6. Quid Pro Quo** 👉 Exchanging favors to gain access to information. **Example**: A supposed recruiter offers a “job opportunity” and asks you to send detailed personal information. **7. Shoulder Surfing** 👉 Physically spying on someone typing in passwords or other sensitive information. **Example**: Discreetly watching someone type in their password at an ATM. ## <br>🔒 How to Protect Yourself? --- ✅ Be wary of unexpected communications. Check senders and URLs before clicking on links. ✅ Never share credentials by phone, email or messaging. ✅ Legitimate companies never ask for passwords. ✅ Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). This reduces the impact of password leaks. ✅ Stay up to date on scams. Social engineering attacks are constantly evolving. ✅ Train employees and family members. Companies can carry out simulations to educate about security. _Did it help at all? then comment or leave your like here_