Rapid technological advancement has not only resulted in a change in the pace of economic development, but also led to increase in cyber-threats. A social engineering attack is one such threat where an attacker not only accesses critical information about a user through technology, but also through manipulation. Although the types of attacks are different i.e. social, physical, technical or socio-technical, the process is the same. This study creates an advanced taxonomy of social engineering attacks with the aim of facilitating the development and implementation of better prevention measures, stressing the importance of organizational awareness.

Social engineering has become one of the biggest security threats facing organizations. Rather than relying upon information security technical-related shortcomings to break into computer networks, social engineers make use of employees' individual and organizational traits to deceive them. In such a scenario, it is crucial for organizations to ensure that their employees not only possess sound knowledge about information security but also about the concept of social engineering and threats emerging from social engineering attacks. This study aims to test whether awareness of social engineering can predict and explain individuals' securityprotective practices. We conducted a survey of 265 employees working in different organizations in Saudi Arabia. The results suggest that awareness of social engineering is a positive predictor of security-protective practices above and beyond the predictability power of possessing information security knowledge. Thus, to reduce the probability of potential consequences of social engineering attacks, our study suggests that organizations should not only strive to enhance employees' security knowledge but should also invest in increasing employees' awareness of social engineering.

Social engineering attacks are a major threat to organizations and individuals as digitization and connectivity through the internet increase. This study aims to review scholarly research analyzing the topic of social engineering and further chart the evolution of the threat. The review identifies methods of such attacks on various platforms and devices and discusses motivations behind social engineering attacks. Finally, the paper analyzes the nature and impact of social engineering attacks and presents a taxonomy on socially engineered attacks by analyzing their anatomy.

No abstract

Social engineering is a rising threat to individuals and organizations, causing massive losses every day. Contemporary and innovative methods to mitigate these threats are needed today more than any other time in the past. This study aimed to assess the different awareness programs and techniques being developed or utilized against cyber security social engineering. A systematic review of various studies was performed, identifying that interactive awareness programs against social engineering are far superior and more engaging than traditional training sessions.