Social Engineering
What is Social Engineering?
Social engineering refers to the manipulation of individuals to gain unauthorised access to systems, data, or physical locations. It exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, making it one of the most effective methods for cybercriminals to bypass even the most robust technical defences. In the context of identity and access management (IAM) and cybersecurity, social engineering poses significant risks, as it often leads to credential theft, unauthorised access, or the compromise of sensitive systems.
Social Engineering techniques
In IAM, social engineering attacks frequently target credentials, as these provide direct access to an organisation’s resources. Common techniques include phishing, where attackers impersonate a trusted entity through email or other communication channels to trick individuals into providing login details. More sophisticated variants, like spear phishing, target specific individuals with tailored messages, often containing convincing details that make the request appear legitimate. Once credentials are obtained, attackers can bypass IAM controls to access sensitive systems or data.
Another common social engineering tactic is pretexting, where attackers create a fabricated scenario to manipulate a victim into divulging confidential information. For example, an attacker might pose as an IT administrator and request a user’s login credentials under the guise of resolving an urgent issue. This tactic exploits the victim’s trust in authority figures or the urgency of the situation.
Baiting and quishing are additional social engineering methods. Baiting lures victims with a tempting offer, such as a free gift or software download, that leads to malware installation or the exposure of credentials. Quishing is a form of phishing targeting QR codes, where users scan a code that directs them to a malicious website designed to capture login details.
The consequences of social engineering attacks in IAM are far-reaching. Once an attacker gains access, they can escalate privileges, move laterally within a network, or exfiltrate sensitive data. These breaches are particularly damaging in environments that rely on trust-based access models, as attackers can exploit compromised identities to blend in with legitimate users.
From a cybersecurity perspective, mitigating social engineering attacks requires a combination of technological solutions and user education. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a critical tool for reducing the impact of stolen credentials. Even if a user falls victim to phishing, the attacker would still need access to a secondary authentication factor, such as a mobile app or hardware token. Additionally, IAM systems can implement behavioural analytics to detect and flag unusual login activity, such as access from unfamiliar locations or devices.
User awareness training is equally vital in combating social engineering. Organisations must educate employees about common attack techniques, how to recognise suspicious communications, and the importance of verifying requests before sharing sensitive information. Simulated phishing campaigns can help reinforce training by exposing vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.
Technology can also assist by implementing stricter access controls, such as role-based access control (RBAC) and least privilege principles. By limiting access to only the resources necessary for a user’s role, organisations can minimise the potential damage from compromised accounts. Furthermore, deploying email filters, web proxies, and endpoint protection solutions can block many social engineering attempts before they reach their targets.
