What You Need to Know About Social Engineering Attacks

As cybercrime continues to be a serious issue for all businesses, outsourcing to managed IT services providers in Austin is the simple solution to blocking hackers. You can try to keep up with all the different worms, malware and ransomware out there, but it could distract from your core business. Here are ways that attackers use social engineering to invade and sometimes destroy business networks (and you definitely need the help of tech experts):

Phishing Schemes

One of the most common threats to businesses is the phishing scheme, in which an attacker tries to fool victims by posing as a trusted popular brand. Usually, this scheme involves the attacker setting up a fake URL that resembles a well known one, but with one different character that’s easily overlooked.

Cybercriminals might ask the user to confirm login information or retype a password. If the user falls for it, the attacker can penetrate the system and unleash malware to an entire network. If they do, you will need to turn to cyber security professionals in Austin, but it’s best to already have safeguards in place prior to an attack.

Hacker Deals

Baiting is a similar strategy to phishing. The hacker baits the user through offers, coupons or free gifts. They provide this bait in exchange for login information or other confidential data. Bait can also come in the form of a download that encompasses malicious software.

Another type of social engineering that resembles baiting is quid pro quo, in which a hacker offers a free service in exchange for login credentials or critical data. This technique might include the hacker posing as a technician and calling the victim on the phone. The hacker might offer free IT services or a payment of $100 while pretending to be a researcher who pays computer users for their opinions on technology.

Lesser-Known Attack Methods

Hackers use various other methods to sneak onto networks with the help of deceived insiders. One of these methods, called “piggybacking,” involves having a person briefly borrow a computing device long enough to infect it. Pretexting is another social engineering method in which a hacker tries to impersonate a co-worker. When you hire a managed IT services provider in Austin, all of these hacker techniques can be blocked.

Conclusion

One of the keys to avoiding security breaches is raising awareness among employees through cybercrime education. At Contigo Technology, our managed IT services team in Austin can help provide tips to your staff for keeping your infrastructure safe from hackers. We can also fix problems, make routine backups and develop a disaster recovery plan for your business. Contact us now to learn more about how we can protect your data so that you can focus on business goals.