Breaking Down the Real Meaning of an XDR Solution
Read More
Learn how social engineering and insider threats are major reasons for data
Cyber threats aren’t always about complex code or advanced hacking tools. Often, they start with a simple trick—convincing someone to click a link, share a password, or let someone into a secure area. This tactic is called social engineering.
Social engineering is when attackers trick people into breaking security rules. Instead of hacking systems, they use lies, pressure, or fake trust to get what they want. These attacks work well because they target human emotions, not technology.
As these attacks become more sophisticated and harder to detect, it’s more important than ever for organizations to protect themselves. That’s why this blog lays out a practical, 5-step plan to help prevent social engineering attacks.
Before that, let’s first explore the common social engineering tactics used by attackers.
Most social engineering attacks rely on tricking people rather than breaking into systems with complex tools. Here are some common social engineering tactics, with examples:
| Tactic | What It Is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing | Fake emails or websites that trick people into giving personal info like passwords, allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive accounts. | You get an email that looks like it’s from your bank, asking you to log in. The link takes you to a fake site that steals your login details. |
| Vishing | Scam calls where someone pretends to be from a trusted group to steal private information. | A caller pretends to be from your bank’s fraud team and asks for your account number and PIN. |
| Baiting | Entices users with free offers (e.g., downloads or gift cards) to get them to install malware or visit malicious websites, potentially leading to identity theft. | You see a pop-up offering free software or gift cards. Clicking the link installs malware that steals data or gives access to your device. |
| Pretexting | Attackers invent a believable scenario to trick victims into revealing personal or sensitive information. | A caller pretends to be from IT, saying they need your login credentials to perform a 'routine system upgrade.' |
Building a security-aware culture is key to protecting against social engineering attacks.
Regular training helps your workforce recognize and defend against social engineering attacks.
Having clear, documented guidelines is essential to minimizing risks. Make sure your company sets concrete policies that everyone must follow.
To stay one step ahead of attacks, use tools and technologies that capture and block attacks before they intrude into the systems.
| Security Tool or Practice | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Email Filters & Anti-Phishing Tools | Blocks suspicious emails by scanning for dangerous links or attachments before they reach your inbox. |
| Antivirus & Device Protection | Keeps all computers and devices safe from viruses and malware with up-to-date security software. |
| Deception Tools | Sets traps (fake systems or logins) to catch hackers before they reach real data. |
| Watch for Unusual Behavior | Alerts you to strange activity, like odd login times or sudden sensitive data access spikes, that may signal trouble. |
| AI & Threat Detection Tools | Uses smart technology to spot new or hidden threats based on patterns and attack trends. |
| Regular System Updates & Fixes | Finds and fixes security holes by installing software updates and patches as soon as they're available. |
All systems are prone to attacks, even if you have the best prevention measures. A solid plan helps you respond quickly and minimize damage.
| What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Have a Clear Response Plan | Helps your security team know exactly what to do—detect, contain, remove, and recover from an attack. |
| Set Up Clear Communication Channels | Makes sure everyone knows who to contact and how to escalate issues quickly during an incident. |
| Promote Quick Reporting | Encourages employees to speak up fast—even without all the details—to reduce the impact of an attack. |
| Review After Each Incident | Helps you understand what went wrong and how to improve so it doesn’t happen again. |
| Test and Update Regularly | Keeps your plan effective and ready as threats evolve and new risks appear. |
By following these steps and adopting an effective threat detection, deception, and incident response tool, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of social engineering attacks.
Fidelis Elevate® is a proactive XDR platform built to help organizations detect and stop a wide range of cyber threats, including social engineering attacks.
With its combination of advanced technology, integrated deception capabilities, and real-time intelligence, Fidelis XDR can effectively enhance your defenses against the manipulation tactics used in social engineering.
Here’s how Fidelis Elevate® can complement your 5-step prevention plan for social engineering attacks:
| Capability | What It Does | How It Helps Against Social Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Deep Visibility & Threat Detection | Monitors network, endpoints, and cloud for early signs of unusual activity using advanced AI-driven analysis. | Spots subtle indicators of phishing attacks, baiting, or vishing attempts before they escalate. |
| 2. Integrated Deception Technology | Uses fake assets (decoys) to trap attackers and expose their tactics and goals. | Confuses attackers and exposes them early, making it harder for them to exploit human behavior. |
| 3. AI-Powered Threat Intelligence & MITRE ATT&CK Mapping | Uses artificial intelligence and threat behavior frameworks to predict attacker tactics and plan defenses. | Recognizes patterns common in social engineering (e.g., impersonation, urgency), helping you stop attacks before they succeed. |
| 4. Real-Time Incident Detection & Automated Response | Identifies and reacts to threats instantly, containing them before they cause damage. | Quickly isolates threats like spear phishing or pretexting, reducing response time and limiting impact. |
| 5. Comprehensive Asset Protection | Provides complete security coverage across all environments—network, endpoints, and cloud. | Ensures consistent defense no matter where an attacker tries to breach—whether digitally or physically. |
Adding Fidelis Elevate® to your cybersecurity strategy gives you strong protection against social engineering attacks. Its advanced tools help you quickly detect, block, and respond to threats, lowering the risk and damage from evolving attacks.
Coping with social engineering attacks requires multiple strategies, as one solution isn’t enough. This includes combining employee awareness, setting solid security rules, and efficient use of advanced technology and tools. When you set a culture where people stay alert, follow rules, and use tools properly, it makes it harder for attackers to trick you and intrude into your systems. And always remember, social engineering is not a one-time threat; it’s evolving. So always update your security strategy and stay one step ahead of the attackers.
These attacks succeed because they play on emotions like fear, urgency, or trust. People are often fooled into reacting quickly without thinking.
No. While technology helps, it’s not enough. Organizations also need employee awareness, clear rules, and quick response plans to stay protected.
See Fidelis in action. Learn how our fast and scalable platforms provide full visibility, deep insights, and rapid response to help security teams across the World protect, detect, respond, and neutralize advanced cyber adversaries.