In our previous article, we explained what social engineering is and some of the most common tactics used by attackers. But how do these methods exploit human behaviour, and what can you do to prevent falling victim to them?

Let's break down how social engineering manipulates human traits like trust and fear, and provide actionable tips on how to defend yourself and your business from these attacks.

How Social Engineering Exploits Human Nature

Social engineering relies on manipulating basic human traits, such as:

Trust: People are inclined to trust authority figures or familiar brands. Attackers exploit this by impersonating trusted entities in phishing or pretexting attacks.
Fear: Many phishing scams use urgent messages to trigger fear, prompting individuals to act quickly, often without verifying the authenticity of the request.
Curiosity: Techniques like baiting play on human curiosity, tempting individuals to click on malicious links or plug unknown devices into their systems.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Business from Social Engineering Attacks

Employee Training

Regularly train employees on how to spot phishing emails, verify requests, and avoid suspicious links. Simulated phishing tests are an effective way to keep awareness high.

Verify Requests

Never provide sensitive information without verifying the requester’s identity through a trusted channel. If in doubt, contact the person or organisation directly to confirm the request.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts to add an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if login credentials are compromised, attackers still need additional verification to gain access.

Strengthen Physical Security

Ensure secure access to sensitive areas by implementing strict access control policies. Employees should be aware of tailgating risks and not allow unauthorised individuals to enter secure spaces.

How Cleared.id Can Help Protect Against Social Engineering

At Cleared.id, we offer cutting-edge identity verification solutions that help businesses protect against social engineering attacks. Our platform verifies individuals in real-time, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive information.

Learn how Cleared.id's identity verification solutions can enhance your security.

Stay Vigilant and Protect Your Business

Social engineering attacks exploit our human instincts, but with the right tools and strategies, you can protect yourself and your business. By educating employees, using multi-factor authentication, and verifying requests, you can significantly reduce your risk. Don’t let cybercriminals take advantage of your trust—be proactive and defend your data today.