Overview
Deceptive tactics can trick users into giving away personal information or clicking on malicious links. Social engineering attacks, such as phishing, rely on psychological manipulation to trick users into revealing sensitive information or performing unsafe actions. On mobile devices, these attacks often take the form of phishing emails, SMS-based attacks (smishing), or fake app notifications designed to look legitimate. Social engineering attacks are highly effective because they exploit human error, such as clicking on malicious links or divulging login credentials to attackers posing as trusted entities.
Risk factors
- Emails or text messages from unknown or spoofed contacts often carry malicious links or requests for sensitive information.
- Users who are not aware of phishing risks or are not trained in how to identify social engineering attacks.
- Many users don’t recognize that phishing attacks can occur through SMS or mobile app notifications, not just emails.
- Clicking on links without verifying the legitimacy of the sender or URL can lead to phishing websites.
Consequences
If social engineering attacks are successful, the following could happen:
- Credential theft: Attackers can trick users into providing their login credentials, which can then be used for unauthorized access.
- Identity theft: Personal data stolen through phishing attacks can be used for identity fraud or other malicious purposes.
- Financial loss: Attackers may use phishing to gain access to payment information or banking accounts, resulting in fraudulent transactions.
- Malware installation: Clicking on malicious links may lead to the download of malware, such as spyware or ransomware, onto the device.
Solutions and best practices
- User education: Educate users about phishing and social engineering techniques, teaching them how to recognize and avoid malicious emails, SMS messages, and app notifications.
- Email and SMS filtering: Use email and SMS filters that detect and block phishing attempts before they reach users.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to protect accounts even if users’ credentials are compromised.
- App shielding: Mobile application shielding can help detect and block malicious activities that result from phishing attacks, such as unauthorized access to apps or data.
Further reading