Social engineering is the use of psychological manipulation to exploit people’s trusting nature in order to gain access to information or resources, such as confidential information or computer systems. It is a form of attack that relies heavily on human interaction and often involves manipulating people into breaking normal security procedures. It is a way of exploiting the natural tendency of people to trust others and to act on instinct rather than reason.

Social engineering attacks have become more sophisticated and complex over time. Attackers may use phishing emails, malicious websites, or other methods to gain access to confidential information or systems. They may also use social media to target victims, by sending out messages that appear to come from a trusted source, such as a friend or colleague. Attackers may also use impersonation or coercion to get victims to divulge sensitive information.

Social engineering is a growing problem, as it can be used to gain access to a wide range of sensitive information. Companies and organizations must be aware of the risks posed by social engineering and take steps to mitigate them. This includes educating employees about the dangers of social engineering, instituting strong security policies, and utilizing effective authentication methods.