What is a common target for social engineering attacks?

Social engineering attacks primarily target human users because they exploit the human element of security rather than technological vulnerabilities. This type of attack relies on manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information, such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs), or other sensitive data. Attackers may use tactics such as phishing emails, deceptive phone calls, or impersonation to create a sense of urgency or trust, persuading victims to share information they normally wouldn’t disclose.

By focusing on the human component, social engineers can bypass sophisticated security systems that are designed to protect software programs, servers, or network infrastructure. This highlights the importance of security awareness training and the need for organizations to educate their employees about potential threats and safe practices to fend off such attacks.