What is Social Engineering? And How to Protect Against It?

Not all cyberattacks involve malware or code. Some start with a phone call, an email, or even a friendly conversation. That’s social engineering — and it targets people, not systems. Small businesses are especially vulnerable, because attackers know your team wears many hats and may not have formal cybersecurity training.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is when a cybercriminal tricks someone into giving up sensitive information or access by pretending to be someone they’re not.

It can happen through:

• Emails (phishing)

• Phone calls (vishing)

• Text messages (smishing)

• In-person visits or fake support calls

Why It Works

Social engineering relies on human psychology: urgency, fear, curiosity, or even helpfulness. These attacks often feel casual, not threatening.

Examples:

• "Hey, I’m with IT and I need your login to troubleshoot."

• "This invoice is past due — can you take care of it right away?"

Common Red Flags

• Requests for passwords or financial info

• Messages that pressure you to act fast

• Unusual sender addresses or phone numbers

• Vague or unexpected questions

How to Protect Your Business

1. Train your team to recognize tactics and speak up

2. Verify requests through another channel (especially if it involves money or data)

3. Use MFA to make it harder for an attacker to log in, even with a password

4. Build a culture where it's safe to question and report unusual behavior

Our Final Thought:

Technology can help, but the real front line of cybersecurity is your people.

Social engineering attacks can be subtle, but with a little awareness and training, your team can spot them before they succeed.

Want help training your team to stay alert? Get in Touch with Us → or Explore Our Services →