How To Spot & Stop Phone-based Social Engineering Threats
In today’s digital age, phone-based attacks have become increasingly common as cybercriminals exploit social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information. These attacks are sophisticated, often involving impersonation and psychological manipulation to build trust and bypass security measures. As the risk of falling victim to such attacks rises, it is essential to understand how to recognise and protect yourself from them. In this article, we explore the strategies to defend yourself from phone-based social engineering attacks.
What is Social Engineering?
Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals into divulging confidential information, often by exploiting human emotions or behaviour. The attackers prey on trust, fear, urgency, or curiosity, using these emotions to their advantage. The result is often financial loss, identity theft, or a breach of sensitive data.
Phone-based social engineering attacks typically come in the form of unsolicited calls, where the scammer pretends to be someone you know or trust, such as a government official, tech support agent, or bank representative. Their goal is to extract personal details, passwords, or even money through manipulation.
Types of Phone-Based Social Engineering Attacks
- Phishing Calls: This is one of the most common forms of phone-based social engineering. Scammers pose as representatives from trusted companies, claiming they need personal information to verify your identity or resolve an issue. They may ask for details like bank account numbers, credit card information, or passwords.
- Vishing (Voice Phishing): Vishing involves fraudulent phone calls from individuals pretending to be from your bank or other institutions. They might ask for verification of financial details or even try to convince you to transfer funds or make payments under false pretences.
- Smishing: While smishing is more commonly associated with text messages, it’s often part of a broader phone-based social engineering scam. Attackers might send a text message with a link to a fake website or ask you to call a number where they will attempt to scam you.
- Tech Support Scams: In these attacks, scammers claim to be from a legitimate tech company and tell you that your computer or device has a virus or problem. They may ask for remote access to your device, leading to theft of personal data or even financial fraud.
1. Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Calls
Never trust an unexpected phone call, especially if the caller asks for personal information. Reputable companies will never ask for sensitive data over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the company directly using a verified number. Always verify the caller’s identity before sharing any details.
2. Don’t Share Personal Information
Avoid sharing personal details such as your full name, date of birth, address, or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller's identity. If the caller insists that the information is necessary, hang up immediately and contact the relevant organisation.
3. Use Call Blocking Services
To prevent unsolicited calls, consider using call-blocking apps or services offered by your mobile provider. These tools can help reduce the number of scam calls you receive. Many of these apps can even identify known scam numbers, allowing you to avoid potential threats.
4. Don’t Follow Links or Download Attachments
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown numbers or unsolicited messages. These could lead to malware or phishing websites designed to steal your information.
5. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
For accounts that offer it, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection, making it harder for attackers to gain access even if they manage to steal your login credentials.
6. Educate Yourself and Others
Stay informed about common phone-based scams. The more you know about potential threats, the better you can recognise and avoid them. Educate your family and friends, especially those who may be less tech-savvy, about the importance of security and how to spot suspicious activity.
7. Report Suspicious Calls
If you receive a call you suspect may be a scam, report it to the relevant authorities. In many countries, there are hotlines or online forms where you can report fraud or scam attempts. Reporting such incidents helps authorities track and shut down scammers.
Phone-based social engineering attacks are a serious threat, but by remaining vigilant and following basic security protocols, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these manipulative tactics. Be cautious with unsolicited calls, avoid sharing sensitive information, and take proactive steps to safeguard your privacy. With the right knowledge and tools, you can confidently navigate the world of phone communications without fear of exploitation.