Evitar los ataques de ingeniería social

The internet has experienced a lot of breaches since its inception, and almost all of them can be attributed to one vulnerability, human error. That’s right; we are a vulnerability waiting to be exploited. Cybercriminals exploit this vulnerability using only one attack; Social engineering. This technique involves manipulations based on trust to trick and fool an individual into giving out confidential and sensitive information. Most of the time, an attacker uses the little-known information to gain your trust.

Cómo llevan a cabo la ingeniería social los ciberdelincuentes

La ingeniería social puede realizarse de muchas maneras, incluso sin utilizar Internet. Estas son las principales formas en que los atacantes llevan a cabo esta técnica;

• Phishing – This is the most common and most successful form of social engineering. When phishing, cybercriminals tend to acquire confidential information by either using emails and then directing an individual to a spoofed site. Most of the email won’t look suspicious. Phishing can be done in various forms including spear phishing and vishing. Spear phishing targets a specific individual or company. Vishing is phishing but through a phone call. Vishing is also common, and at the end, tricked individuals may end up revealing information such as their social security numbers.
• Pretextos - Se trata de una técnica que utiliza principalmente mentiras para ganarse la confianza y, posteriormente, obtener información que pueda utilizarse para confirmar la identidad. Los atacantes pueden incluso invocar la empatía cuando utilizan esta técnica. Por ejemplo, los atacantes pueden fingir que necesitan ayuda para pagar las facturas del hospital. Una vez que usted contribuya, tendrán su información.
• Quid pro quo - Este método implica dar algo para conseguir algo. Si eres aficionado a Internet, es posible que te hayas encontrado con algunos anuncios que te dicen que has ganado un PS4, pero para recibir tu artículo, te piden que introduzcas algunos datos como tu número de teléfono, tu número de la seguridad social y otra información sensible.
• Baiting – In this technique, cybercriminals entice an individual by commonly providing a free service. For instance, attackers may host free software, games, movies, music, and other files but with a malware hidden within. When a user downloads any of the files, they will trigger the malware and their system will be infected.

Evitar los ataques de ingeniería social

Concienciación sobre ciberseguridad

This involves understanding security and privacy risks, mitigation, and prevention. Once you are equipped with this knowledge, you will know how to deal with phishing, baiting, and other social engineering attacks.

Tenga cuidado en quién confía

Facilite menos datos personales en Internet, especialmente cuando rellene formularios corporativos en línea. Hoy en día, los atacantes han perfeccionado el arte de suplantar correos electrónicos corporativos y de otras instituciones que requieren información sensible. Además, publica menos información sensible en las redes sociales.

Utilice la autenticación de dos factores (2FA)

Besides using strong passwords, ensure you have implemented 2FA in your sensitive accounts. This minimizes the risk of your data getting into wrong hands even after they somehow manage to get your password. Also, avoid using the same password in all your accounts.

Utilizar la autenticación biométrica

This is helpful when 2FA is not available especially when financial transactions are involved. Biometrics such as fingerprints can greatly help in reducing fraud by curbing identity theft. Take advantage of this form of authentication if it’s available.

Use a VPN

By providing security and privacy, a VPN can help reduce and even mitigate social engineering attacks before they occur. When using a VPN, your information won’t be intercepted by prying eyes and also some VPN offer features that enhance your cyber security. Additionally, when using a VPN, you leave a minimal trail of data that even when traced, attackers will end up at the VPN’s doorstep.