18. THE POSITIONS AND EMPLOYMENT DESIGNATIONS IN BUSINESS MOST LIKELY TO BE TARGETED FOR SOCIAL ENGINEERING

 

THE POSITIONS AND EMPLOYMENT DESIGNATIONS IN BUSINESS MOST LIKELY TO BE TARGETED FOR SOCIAL ENGINEERING
Social engineering attacks often target individuals who have access to sensitive information or the ability to perform certain actions within a business.
Here are some positions that are commonly targeted:
Executives and Senior Management:	These individuals often have access to sensitive company information and the authority to make significant decisions. They may be targeted through “whaling” attacks, which are like phishing attacks but specifically target high-ranking individuals.
Finance and HR Staff:	These employees have access to sensitive financial and personal data. Attackers may use pretexting, where they pretend to be a co-worker or a trusted outside contact, to trick these employees into divulging information.
I.T. Staff:	I.T. staff have access to critical systems and infrastructure. They may be targeted through baiting attacks, where malware is hidden in a seemingly harmless file
Customer Service Representatives:	These employees often have access to customer data and may be targeted through phishing or vishing (voice phishing) attacks.
Administrative personnel and receptionists	Are often targeted in social engineering attacks due to their access to sensitive company information and their frequent interaction with a wide range of individuals.
General Employees:	Any employee can be a target of a social engineering attack. Attackers often use phishing emails or scareware (fake security warnings prompting the user to install malicious software) to trick employees into giving up information or access.
The methods used in social engineering attacks often depend on the target and the information or access the attacker is trying to gain.
Some common methods include
Phishing:	This involves sending fraudulent emails that seem to come from reputable sources to steal sensitive data like credit card numbers and login information.
Pretexting:	This is when an attacker pretends to need certain information to confirm the identity of the recipient.
Baiting:	This involves offering something enticing to an end user in exchange for private data.
Quid Pro Quo:	Similar to baiting, quid pro quo involves a hacker requesting private data from a user in exchange for a service.
Tailgating or Piggybacking:	This involves an unauthorized person physically following an authorized person into a restricted area.
It’s important to note that while certain positions may be targeted more frequently, any employee can be a target of a social engineering attack. Therefore, it’s crucial for all employees to be aware of these tactics and to follow best practices for preventing social engineering attacks.