Social Engineering Attacks — Phishing, Vishing, Pretexting

Social Engineering — Hacking the Human

91% of cyberattacks start with a phishing email. Social engineering exploits human psychology, not technology.

Attack Types

• Phishing: Fake emails/websites mimicking trusted brands
• Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing using personal information
• Vishing: Voice phishing via phone calls
• Smishing: SMS phishing
• Pretexting: Creating fake scenarios to extract info
• Baiting: Leaving infected USB drives in public places

Protection

• Always verify sender email addresses
• Never enter credentials from email links
• Enable 2FA on all accounts
• If someone asks for OTP on phone — it's a SCAM

Learn more in our Social Media Hacking course.