What is Social Engineering Hacking?

When we hear the word hacking, we automatically think about breaking codes, cracking web pages, vulnerabilities, exploits, Hacking, however, does not just mean scripts, codes, and special programs. A form of hacking is also Social engineering hacking, which is quite effective. This form does not try to hack into a system but in the victim's own mind (psychology).

How does it work?

With the rapid spread of social media and messaging applications, anyone can communicate with anyone. Then all that a social engineer hacker needs to do is win the victim's trust. Once this is done, the victim can give any information the hacker wants. This can be done either with the consent of the victim due to mutual trust or through programs that the hacker can ask the victim to install in his system thinking he/she is installing an innocent program while in fact it is not (eg. keylogger). There are really many people who have fallen victim to social engineering hacking. It is a process that can take quite a bit of time but is quite effective.

How to protect yourself?

Do not give personal information (emails, credit card numbers, names, dates) through any instant messaging application. Data through them can easily be stolen by sniffing. Do not open files with extensions such as * .exe, * .bat, * .vbs, * scr etc.) Do not show confidence in someone who may be sympathetic to you or have the same interests.

Use social media responsibly and always use some antivirus.