Social Engineering: The Cyber Threat That Targets People, Not Technology

When most people think about cybersecurity threats, they picture hackers breaking through firewalls, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or deploying malware. 

But many of today’s most successful attacks don’t target technology first. They target people. 

Read more: Cybersecurity Stories: When Your Boss Isn’t Really Your Boss

This tactic is known as social engineering, and it remains one of the most effective methods cybercriminals use to gain access to sensitive information, credentials, and systems. 

In fact, industry Data Breach Investigations Report found that 74% of breaches involved a human element, including social engineering, errors, misuse, or stolen credentials. (Axios) 

The good news? 

Social engineering attacks can be prevented. The key is educating employees to recognize manipulation before they act. That’s where Breach Secure Now’s cybersecurity awareness training plays a critical role. 

What Is Social Engineering? 

Social engineering is the art of manipulating people into taking actions that benefit an attacker. Instead of exploiting technical vulnerabilities, attackers exploit human psychology. 

They create situations designed to trigger emotions such as: 

• Urgency 

• Fear 

• Curiosity 

• Trust 

• Authority 

• Excitement 

The goal is simple: convince someone to click, download, disclose, transfer, approve, or respond before they stop to think. 

Research has shown that attackers frequently leverage psychological triggers such as authority, scarcity, and social proof because they are highly effective at influencing human behavior. Authority-based attacks, in particular, consistently perform well because people are naturally inclined to trust perceived leadership figures. (arXiv) 

Social Engineering Has Evolved 

For years, social engineering primarily arrived in the form of phishing emails. Today, attackers have far more tools at their disposal. 

Modern social engineering attacks may involve: 

• Email phishing 

• SMS phishing (smishing) 

• Voice phishing (vishing) 

• Business email compromise 

• Social media impersonation 

• Deepfake audio 

• Deepfake video 

• AI-generated messages 

• Help desk impersonation attacks 

Generative AI has dramatically increased the sophistication of these attacks by enabling criminals to create realistic, personalized messages at scale. Researchers have identified realistic content creation, advanced targeting, and automation as key methods that AI is amplifying social engineering attacks. (arXiv) 

In other words, attackers no longer need perfect writing skills or extensive research. AI can do much of the work for them. 

Read more: AI-Assisted Phishing Is Changing the Game, and Traditional Awareness Training Isn’t Enough

Real-World Examples of Social Engineering 

Recent attacks demonstrate just how effective social engineering has become. 

MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment 

Two of the most publicized cyber incidents in recent years involved MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. 

In both cases, attackers reportedly gained access through social engineering techniques rather than sophisticated technical exploits. Attackers manipulated individuals and support processes to obtain credentials and bypass security controls, ultimately leading to major business disruption and data exposure. (Axios) 

Deepfake Executive Impersonation 

Artificial intelligence has introduced an entirely new category of social engineering risk. 

Organizations are increasingly reporting cases where attackers use AI-generated voice and video technology to impersonate executives. According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, more than 105,000 deepfake-related attacks were reported in the United States during 2024, with losses exceeding $200 million in the first quarter alone. (Wall Street Journal) 

Employees who believe they are speaking with a trusted executive may unknowingly authorize payments, share sensitive information, or approve fraudulent requests. 

The $25 Million Deepfake Scam 

One widely reported incident involved scammers using deepfake technology to impersonate company executives during a video call, ultimately convincing an employee to transfer approximately $25 million. 

These attacks demonstrate a critical reality: Social engineering is no longer limited to email. 

Read More About the $25 Million Deepfake

How Breach Secure Now Helps Defend Against Social Engineering 

Technology alone cannot stop social engineering. Employees must be trained to recognize manipulation techniques before they become victims. 

At Breach Secure Now, cybersecurity awareness training focuses on helping users understand not just what an attack looks like, but how attackers think. 

BSN training helps organizations build stronger human defenses through: 

Security Awareness Training 

Employees learn how to identify phishing emails, suspicious requests, impersonation attempts, and emerging social engineering tactics. 

Phishing Simulations 

Realistic phishing simulations allow employees to practice identifying threats in a safe environment before encountering them in the real world. 

Phishing Remediation Training 

When users fall for simulated phishing attacks, targeted remediation training helps reinforce lessons immediately, creating teachable moments that improve future decision-making. 

AI Awareness Training 

As AI-driven scams become more common, organizations need employees who understand deepfakes, voice cloning, AI-generated content, and modern impersonation tactics. 

Continuous Reinforcement 

Cybersecurity is not a once-a-year event. BSN’s ongoing microlearning approach helps keep security top of mind throughout the year. 

Social Engineering Red Flags Every Employee Should Know 

While attacks continue to evolve, many social engineering attempts still rely on common psychological triggers. 

Employees should pause and verify whenever they encounter: 

• Unexpected urgency 

• Requests for passwords or MFA codes 

• Unusual payment requests 

• Executive requests that seem out of character 

• Pressure to bypass normal procedures 

• Requests involving gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers 

• Unexpected links or attachments 

• Requests to keep information confidential 

One of the most effective defenses is simple: Slow down. Verify. Then act. 

Most social engineering attacks depend on victims responding emotionally before they think critically. 

Your Human Firewall Matters More Than Ever 

As AI continues making scams more convincing, social engineering will remain one of the most significant cybersecurity threats organizations face. Attackers understand that people are often easier to manipulate than technology. 

That’s why organizations must invest in both cybersecurity technology and cybersecurity awareness training. At BSN, we believe the strongest defense against social engineering is an informed, aware, and confident workforce. 

Because when employees know what to look for, attackers lose one of their most effective weapons: Human trust. 

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