Social engineering involves manipulating people into providing confidential information such as bank account details or passwords. There are several types of social engineering attacks like phishing scams, where hackers send emails pretending to be from trusted sources, and pretexting where scammers capture attention with something valuable to trick victims. People can protect themselves by being wary of unsolicited messages, verifying URLs before clicking links, using strong unique passwords, and keeping security software up to date. It is also important to teach kids and students about internet safety and digital citizenship to help them recognize and avoid social engineering attacks.

1. Social
Engineering
Spencer Burton, IICT Part 2, 2020

2. What is Social
Engineering?
▸ Manipulating people to give confidential
information
▹ Bank account information
▹ Passwords
▹ Computer access
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3. Types of Social
Engineering
1) Baiting: Enticing victim (“Bonus” or
“Confidential”)
2) Phishing: Fake email from trusted source (e.g.,
bank)
3) Email Hacking: Fake email from hacked
account 3

4. Types of Social
Engineering cont...
1)
2)
3)
4)Pretexting: Capturing attention with something
of value
5) Quid Pro Quo: An unfair exchange
6) Vishing: Using voice on phone to trick
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5. Tips & Tricks
▸ Slow down online - be aware
▸ View URL link before clicking (does it match?)
▸ When it doubt, research message
▸ Only download from trusted sources
▸ Delete/report unknown, suspicious emails
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6. How to Protect
Yourself
▸ Don’t share passwords/logins with others
▸ Make yours passwords strong
▸ Set spam settings to high
▸ Keep email filters up-to-date
▸ Monitor your devices in public
6

7. Explaining Social
Engineering to Kids
▸ Social = interacting with people
▸ Engineering = planning, designing
▸ Social Engineering = being tricked by someone
▸ Someone online who wants our secrets (e.g.,
passwords, information)
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8. How to Protect
Students
▸ Explicitly teach Digital Citizenship and internet
safety
▸ Avoid clicking on flashy advertisements
▸ If unsure, as an adult
▸ Don’t share passwords/logins with others (only
trusted adult) 8

9. What is Social
Engineering?
9

10. Final Thoughts
Technology can be a
helpful tool, as long as
we know how to use it
properly and safely.
Stay safe and tech on!
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