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.
Common Social Engineering Tactics
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:
TacticWhat It IsExample
PhishingFake 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.VishingScam 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.BaitingEntices 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.PretextingAttackers 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.’
5-Step Plan for Prevention of Social Engineering Attacks
Step 1: Build a Culture of Security Awareness
Building a security-aware culture is key to protecting against social engineering attacks.
Change the mindset around social engineering attacks:
These attacks work not because people are careless, but because attackers are experts at building trust and manipulating behavior.
Avoid blame and foster a safe reporting culture:
Organizations should foster a safe environment where employees can report scams without fear of blame. If employees fear punishment, they may stay silent after a mistake, leading to more serious consequences.
Promote judgment-free reporting:
Employees should feel encouraged to report anything suspicious, such as strange emails, unusual phone calls, or unknown individuals in the office, without fear of judgment.
Emphasize shared responsibility for cybersecurity:
Cybersecurity isn’t just the IT department’s responsibility; everyone has a role in keeping the organization secure by following security protocols.
Make security awareness part of daily culture:
When security awareness becomes second nature, it becomes much harder for attackers to succeed.
Step 2: Train and Test Your Workforce Continuously
Regular training helps your workforce recognize and defend against social engineering attacks.
Provide ongoing cybersecurity training:
Like safety drills or compliance training, cybersecurity education needs to be part of your company’s regular routine.
Make training mandatory and engaging:
All employees should regularly participate in sessions that cover various social engineering tactics, such as phishing attempts, vishing, baiting, and more.
Focus on emotional manipulation tactics:
Teach how attackers use panic, urgency, or fake authority to trick people into quick, unthinking actions.
Use real-life scenarios to make lessons memorable:
Real-life examples, like fake CEO emails or IT imposters, make training more effective. Test responses with simulations and use the results to strengthen weak spots.
Extend awareness beyond email: Remind employees to stay careful on social media, phone calls, and casual conversations—even outside of work.
Highlight the broad scope of social engineering:
Attackers exploit all forms of human interaction—not just digital methods—so vigilance is key in every context.
Step 3: Establish and Enforce Strong Policies and Procedures
Having clear, documented guidelines is essential to minimizing risks. Make sure your company sets concrete policies that everyone must follow.
Key Areas to Address:
Physical Access Control: Define how employees should use their badges and put measures in place to prevent unauthorized individuals from “tailgating” (entering behind someone who has access).
Password Management: Use strict password reset rules that verify identity, and add multi-factor authentication for extra security.
Finance Operations: Implement procedures that require approval from multiple people for sensitive actions like transferring funds. Make sure no financial changes are made through email requests alone—this prevents fraud.
Data Classification: Define how different types of data should be treated depending on their sensitivity. Make sure each team knows how to handle data correctly.
Verification for Sensitive Actions: For any critical action—whether it’s transferring money or adjusting system access—make sure that multiple steps of verification are required. This ensures that nothing is done impulsively or without oversight.
Incident Reporting and Response: Set up a clear process for employees to report anything suspicious. Make sure there are simple steps to follow during and after an incident, like checking the damage, recovering, and stopping it from happening again.
Step 4: Implement Proactive Technical Safeguards
To stay one step ahead of attacks, use tools and technologies that capture and block attacks before they intrude into the systems.
Key Technical Measures to Use:
Security Tool or PracticeWhat It Does
Email Filters & Anti-Phishing ToolsBlocks suspicious emails by scanning for dangerous links or attachments before they reach your inbox.Antivirus & Device ProtectionKeeps all computers and devices safe from viruses and malware with up-to-date security software.Deception ToolsSets traps (fake systems or logins) to catch hackers before they reach real data.Watch for Unusual BehaviorAlerts you to strange activity, like odd login times or sudden sensitive data access spikes, that may signal trouble.AI & Threat Detection ToolsUses smart technology to spot new or hidden threats based on patterns and attack trends.Regular System Updates & FixesFinds and fixes security holes by installing software updates and patches as soon as they’re available.
Step 5: Prepare for Incident Response and Recovery
All systems are prone to attacks, even if you have the best prevention measures. A solid plan helps you respond quickly and minimize damage.
Key Steps for Effective Incident Response
What to DoWhy It Matters
Have a Clear Response PlanHelps your security team know exactly what to do—detect, contain, remove, and recover from an attack.Set Up Clear Communication ChannelsMakes sure everyone knows who to contact and how to escalate issues quickly during an incident.Promote Quick ReportingEncourages employees to speak up fast—even without all the details—to reduce the impact of an attack.Review After Each IncidentHelps you understand what went wrong and how to improve so it doesn’t happen again.Test and Update RegularlyKeeps 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.
How Fidelis Elevate® Can Help You Prevent 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.
Closes the response gap left by 77% of organizations
Integrates network, deception, and AD protection in one platform
Secures endpoints, cloud, and everything in between
Here’s how Fidelis Elevate® can complement your 5-step prevention plan for social engineering attacks:
CapabilityWhat It DoesHow It Helps Against Social Engineering
1. Deep Visibility & Threat DetectionMonitors 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 TechnologyUses 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 MappingUses 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 ResponseIdentifies 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 ProtectionProvides 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.
Conclusion
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.
Frequently Ask Questions
Why do social engineering attacks work so well?
These attacks succeed because they play on emotions like fear, urgency, or trust. People are often fooled into reacting quickly without thinking.
Can technology alone stop social engineering attacks?
No. While technology helps, it’s not enough. Organizations also need employee awareness, clear rules, and quick response plans to stay protected.
How can employees help prevent social engineering?
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