Abstract

One of the most pernicious attacks in contemporary cybersecurity is social engineering that tries to attack people instead of technical systems and abuse their human nature. Social engineering is used to exploit people and provide unauthorized access, sensitive data, or perform actions that could affect the security of the system unlike traditional cyberattacks that deal with software or hardware. In this research paper, the author explores the mechanics, tactics, and psychology behind social engineering, which leads to the fact that human beings are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. By critically analyzing case studies and literature, as well as actual occurrences, the research differentiates between phishing, pretexting, baiting, tailgating and other manipulative strategies; hence, social engineering methods. The paper also discusses the cognitive biases, tendencies towards trust, and social mental shortcuts that attackers take advantage of, and the paper highlights persuasion, authority, urgency, and social pressure factors as influencing human behaviour. The study also looks at the changing nature of cyber threats, such as the incorporation of social engineering and malware, ransomware, and other digital attacks, which prove more successful together. The preventive options like awareness education and behaviour surveillance and multi-layered security structures are considered with regard to their effectiveness in reducing human vulnerability. The research highlights the need to instill the culture of cybersecurity awareness, where individuals are educated, vigilant and empowered to be aware of and counter manipulative efforts. filling the disconnect between defenses and human behaviour, the following paper offers important guidance on the way organizations, policymakers, and cybersecurity experts can create comprehensive strategies that can minimize vulnerability. Finally, human factors of social engineering need to be learned to improve general cyber resilience and protect sensitive information in an ever-connected digital space.