Social Engineering in Cybersecurity: Prevention and Mitigation Strategies

EasyChair Preprint 13857

Abstract

Social engineering is a critical threat vector in the realm of cybersecurity, exploiting human psychology rather than technological vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems, networks, and data. This research investigates the multifaceted nature of social engineering attacks, their impact on organizational security, and effective prevention and mitigation strategies. The study employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies, and expert interviews to delineate the typologies and methodologies of social engineering, including phishing, pretexting, baiting, and tailgating.

The analysis reveals that social engineering attacks are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging social media, email, and other communication platforms to deceive individuals. Factors contributing to susceptibility include lack of awareness, inadequate training, and cognitive biases such as trust and urgency. The consequences of successful attacks range from data breaches and financial loss to reputational damage .

To combat these threats, the research identifies several key prevention strategies. These include robust employee training programs focused on recognizing and responding to social engineering attempts, the implementation of strict access controls, and the use of multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Additionally, fostering a security-aware culture within organizations is crucial, encouraging employees to report suspicious activities without fear of repercussions.

Mitigation strategies are equally important and involve incident response planning, regular security audits, and the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and counteract social engineering efforts. The research also highlights the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to share threat intelligence and best practices.

Keyphrases: Cybersecurity, Deception, Human Factors, Social Engineering, Trust, cognitive biases, emotional manipulation, psychological mechanisms, social dynamics

@booklet{EasyChair:13857,
  author    = {Alakitan Samad},
  title     = {Social Engineering in Cybersecurity: Prevention and Mitigation Strategies},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 13857},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}