Social Engineering Testing

What is social engineering testing?

Social engineering testing is a process that assesses an organisation’s vulnerability to manipulation and deception by attempting to exploit human psychology and behaviour. A social engineering assessment involves simulating real-world social engineering attacks to evaluate the effectiveness of an organisation’s security controls and identify areas of weakness.

Why is social engineering testing important?

Social engineering attacks are a significant threat to organisations, as they exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technical weaknesses. Conducting social engineering testing helps identify potential risks and vulnerabilities within an organisation’s human-centric security defences. It also raises awareness among employees, promotes education, and allows for the development of effective countermeasures.

What is the most common social engineering attack?

The most common social engineering attack is phishing. Phishing involves the use of deceptive emails, instant messages, or other forms of communication to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal information.

What are the risks of social engineering?

Social engineering poses several risks to organisations and individuals including:

• Unauthorised access to sensitive information or systems
• Increased risk of data breaches and security compromises
• Potential exposure of confidential information
• Higher chance of identity theft or fraud
• Financial losses through fraudulent transactions
• Negative impact on an organisation's reputation
• Loss of customer trust and confidence
• Potential legal and regulatory consequences
• Disruption of business operations
• Compromised network security and infrastructure

What are the benefits of social engineering testing?

Social engineering testing offers several benefits to organisations. It helps identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in an organisation’s human-centric security defences that may not be apparent through traditional security assessments. By identifying these weaknesses, organisations can implement targeted security awareness training programs and strengthen their overall security posture.

How often should social engineering testing be conducted?

The frequency of social engineering testing may vary depending on factors such as the organisation’s size, industry and risk profile. Generally, it is recommended to conduct social engineering testing at regular intervals, either annually or biannually, to assess the evolving threat landscape and ensure that security measures remain effective. Additionally, organisations may conduct testing after significant security incidents or changes to their infrastructure or workforce.