Social Engineering.

Social Engineering.

Social engineering is similar to other phishing methods but is decisively targeted and only occurs when a criminal believes that they have enough resources and information at their disposal to commit fraud. The perpetrator will contact someone who they know has access to what they’re after and, within a business environment, this will often be a member of staff who is able to access and control the flow of money. The criminal may then call the member of staff, pretending to be from a company that they are known to deal with, and will ask for a sum of money to be transferred to pay off an overdue invoice. This is made all the more convincing if the criminal mentions it’s an express order from the employee’s boss!

How to spot Social Engineering:

• Pay attention to email addresses that your colleagues contact you with. Keep an eye out for a new or unfamiliar address!
• Watch out for calls or emails asking questions about fellow employees. If you receive any, do not give out details until you are confident of who you’re talking to.
• Stay alert for any requests to preform tasks that you do not usually undertake. Most companies would prefer you question these requests than fall foul of fraud!