Social engineering attack is considered as one of the most dangerous cybersecurity threats as it can penetrate corporate networks through the weakest link of an organization—the human workforce.
But no matter how sophisticated or well-designed this attack is, it could still be prevented with endpoint security solutions. Before you can fully protect your network against these, it's important to know first the basics of social engineering attacks.
WHAT IS SOCIAL ENGINEERING ATTACK? - Endpoint Security Solutions
Social engineering attack is a kind of a cyberattack, which aims to trick or manipulate someone who is connected to a network, triggering them to surrender personal details, credentials, and other sensitive information that might cost them afterward.
Before attackers can successfully launch their social engineering attack, they must go through these three sophisticated stages first:
- Research
Everything starts with in-depth research. The attacker will have to have a deeper understanding of its target and gather crucial information about how their network works, the organization structure, different roles in the organization, and what could be the most effective way to fool their target.
This can be done by looking at and collecting their target's personal data via their company website, social media profiles, and other details available online. They could even initiate an interaction to get to know their victim's behavior.
- Planning
Now that the attackers have gathered enough data to know how they can launch their social engineering attack, their next move is to curate their mode of attack carefully. They will identify the best design for their social engineering attack and will think of the best message that can unravel their target's weakest point. The attackers will make sure that their attack will trigger emotion, enabling them to manipulate their victim into giving sensitive details.
- Execution
The attack will then be launched through a personal message or an email, or via an online platform that their target usually visits. In some attacks of social engineering, the attacker would personally interact with their victim, while most attacks are usually done by simply clicking a link, going to a malicious website, or downloading a risky file.
Meanwhile, attacks won't go through as long as an organization's network is protected or if they had trustworthy endpoint security solutions that would alert their IT security team about a malicious activity happening within their network. The team will then be able to protect their network, right before the attackers can collect sensitive and vital information about their organization.
Types of Social Engineering Attacks - Endpoint Security Solutions
- PHISHING
Through this social engineering attack, the digital attackers usually copy the branding of a legitimate organization, which they will use in contacting their victim. To obtain sensitive information from their victim, their message will contain a link that will go to a malicious website. And before the victims knew it, their personal details, such as bank details and more were already compromised.
People must be aware of this attack, as it usually triggers fear, pushing victims to surrender their personal information quickly.
- WATERING HOLE
Usually performed by skilled and experienced attackers, watering holes requires perfect timing to preserve the value of the exploit they discovered.
This attack involves launching or downloading malicious codes from a website that their victim commonly visits. Then, once the target visits the site, a backdoor trojan will then compromise and remotely control their victim's website, allowing them to steal valuable details and files.
- WHALING ATTACK
Also known as spear phishing, a whaling attack targets a specific person who has access to systems or highly sensitive information. More sophisticated than a regular phishing attack, this type of social engineering attack necessitates meticulous research to create content that will fool their target.
Whaling attacks are usually disguised as a critical business email, sent by a colleague, business partner, boss, or employee. Moreover, the email/message will contain a message that has a sense of urgency.
- PRETEXTING
With this type of social engineering attack, an attacker uses a fake identity that can easily manipulate their victims into giving up their private information. Frequently, attackers pretend to be an external IT service provider or someone from their victim's financial institution, as they are well-trusted by their target.
- BAITING AND QUID PRO QUO ATTACKS
Meanwhile, attackers pretend to provide victims with something they might think is valuable. To get this, attackers will ask their target to take some action and instruct them to provide personal details that will compromise their security, money, and other valuable details.
How endpoint security solutions can prevent social engineering attacks?
Prevention is better than cure. The same thing goes for any organization that wishes to protect its network against social engineering attacks. Good thing, choosing the best endpoint security solutions suited for their network can give them an additional, durable layer of protection against these types of tricky attacks.
By installing one of the best endpoint security solutions, organizations will have a tool that can intelligently identify and block social engineering attacks, such as pop-up messages, emails, or more, which links to malicious websites or IPs included in their database.
Final Thoughts on Social Engineering Attacks - Endpoint Security Solutions
Now that more workforces are working remotely, organizations must protect their network more than ever through the best endpoint security solutions designed for their unique situation. One of the endpoint security providers that can provide businesses with uncompromised security is Xcitium.
Learn more about how it can keep your network safe, secure, and private by browsing our website.
