37C3 - Social Engineering: Geschichte, Wirkung & Maßnahmen.

Learn about the history, effects, and countermeasures of social engineering, a growing threat that exploits human psychology to gain unauthorized access to information or systems.

Key takeaways
  • Social engineering is defined as the exploitation of human psychology to gain unauthorized access to information or systems.
  • It can take many forms, including phishing, pretexting, and blackmail.
  • Social engineers use various tactics to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that may put data or systems at risk.
  • Effective social engineering requires understanding human psychology and behavior, as well as the ability to adapt to different situations and individuals.
  • Social engineering can be used for both malicious and benign purposes, and it is essential to be aware of its potential impact on individuals and organizations.
  • In order to protect against social engineering, it is essential to educate ourselves and others about the tactics and methods used by social engineers.
  • Social engineering is not limited to technology, but can also involve manipulation of physical systems and individuals.
  • One of the most critical aspects of social engineering is the ability to create a sense of trust and rapport with the target, which can be difficult to achieve in today’s society.
  • Social engineers often use various tactics to gain access to sensitive information or systems, including using fake identities and posing as a trusted authority figure.
  • In order to protect against social engineering attacks, it is essential to use strong passwords, keep software up-to-date, and be cautious when interacting with unsolicited emails or messages.
  • Social engineering is a serious threat that can have significant consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and even physical harm.
  • In order to protect against social engineering, it is essential to educate ourselves and others about the tactics and methods used by social engineers, and to take steps to prevent and detect these attacks.