What do social engineering tactics consist of?

Social engineering tactics consist of manipulating individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. These tactics rely on human psychology rather than technical hacking techniques. Each of the listed options falls under different methods of social engineering:

Deceptive phone calls involve individuals posing as legitimate entities to extract sensitive information over the phone. This could be trying to gain access to passwords, account numbers, or personal data by pretending to be someone the target trusts.

Phishing emails are fraudulent communications designed to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details. These emails often appear to be from reputable sources, mimicking familiar entities to increase the chances of unsuspecting individuals falling for the scam.

Physical impersonation entails someone physically presenting themselves as a legitimate figure, such as a company employee or a government official, to manipulate others into sharing confidential information or granting access to restricted areas.

Selecting "all of the above" acknowledges that each of these tactics is a valid form of social engineering, with distinct methods and vulnerabilities they exploit, showcasing the multifaceted approach used by social engineers. Recognizing this variety is crucial for identifying and safeguarding against potential threats.