We often think that cyberattacks are complex programs and viruses. However, statistics show that the majority of leaks occur due to the human factor. Scammers use social engineering — psychological manipulation methods — to force the victim to give away secret information or perform a specific action.

In this article, we will analyze the main methods of social engineering and ways to protect against them.

Main Attack Vectors

1. Phishing

The most popular type of attack. Attackers send emails or messages on behalf of well-known brands, banks, or even your colleagues. The goal is to get you to click a link and enter your details on a fake website.

By the way, scammers often combine phishing with other threats. If your account has already been targeted, be sure to read our article How to protect your Telegram account from hijacking.

2. Pretexting

The attacker invents a complex scenario to obtain information. For example, they might introduce themselves as a bank security employee or technical support. To check if a real employee or company is in front of you, OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) methods will help.

3. Baiting

Scammers offer something valuable for free — downloading a paid program, a movie, or a "unique guide." The victim downloads the file, which turns out to be infected.

How to Protect Yourself? Core Rules

1. Never trust blindly. Always verify the sender. If the email is from a bank, call the bank at the official number.
2. Do not rush. Social engineers always create a sense of urgency ("Your account will be blocked in 5 minutes!"). This is done specifically to disable your critical thinking.
3. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Even if you accidentally give away your password, scammers will not be able to log in without the second factor.
4. Check the facts. If you are sent shocking news and asked to follow a link for details, first check its authenticity. Our guide will help with this: Anatomy of a Fake: How to Check the Credibility of News.

Stay vigilant and remember: the strongest antivirus is your common sense!