What is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human psychology to gain access to confidential information or systems. Unlike traditional hacking methods, which rely on finding and exploiting security vulnerabilities in software, social engineering targets the human element, often by tricking people into breaking standard security practices. Common social engineering tactics include phishing, pretexting, baiting, and tailgating.

Some common forms of social engineering include:

Phishing: Sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a trusted source, prompting recipients to provide sensitive information or to click on malicious links.

Pretexting: Creating a fabricated scenario to convince someone to divulge information or perform an action. This often involves impersonating someone in a position of authority or trust.

Baiting: Offering something enticing to lure victims into a trap, such as leaving a USB drive labeled "Confidential" in a public place, hoping someone will pick it up and plug it into a computer.

Tailgating: Gaining physical access to a restricted area by following someone who has legitimate access, often by pretending to be an employee or delivery person.

Vishing: Conducting phishing attacks over the phone, where attackers might pose as a trusted organization to solicit personal information.

Social engineering attacks rely heavily on human interaction and the inherent trust people place in others, making them particularly challenging to defend against. Awareness and training are key components in protecting against social engineering threats.

Here are some strategies to help prevent social engineering attacks:

Verify Identities: Always verify the identity of individuals who request sensitive information. This can be done by calling back on a known number or verifying through another communication channel.

Know your role: DO NOT answer questions over the phone or email about anything regarding the digital systems in place at Sissy's Log Cabin.  If someone ask's for information regarding a computer or software, direct them to management.

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, additional verification is required to gain access.

Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and test the effectiveness of current security measures.  This does not pertain to employees, but rest assured SLC conducts regular security audits of our digital assets and pin testing to ensure the security of the SLC networks.  This also includes the occasional "white hat hacking" attempts.  So be on your toes, you may be be tested at any time.

Reporting: We want our employees to feel comfortable reporting suspicious activities or potential security threats without fear of reprisal, and we thank you for your cooperation.

By combining these strategies, SLC and its employees can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to social engineering attacks.