In this video, we discuss social Engerineering cyber attacks as covered on the Information Systems and Controls ISC CPA exam.
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Social engineering attacks are a type of cybersecurity threat where attackers manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information, granting access to restricted areas, or helping in fraudulent activities. Instead of using technical hacking methods, these attacks exploit the natural tendency of humans to trust. Attackers typically use communication channels such as email, text messages, direct messaging platforms, or social media to establish a rapport with their targets. Through this process, they build a relationship and trust, making it easier to deceive the target into acting against their own interest or the interest of their organization. The goal is to subtly influence the victims to perform actions or divulge information that they normally wouldn't if they were aware of the attacker's true intentions.

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that falls under the broader category of social engineering tactics. It specifically employs misleading emails that appear legitimate but are fraudulent in nature. The primary aim of these emails is to deceive recipients into providing sensitive information or to lead them to counterfeit websites where they are prompted to input personal details. These deceitful communications are meticulously designed to mimic the look and feel of messages from reputable sources, such as banks, social media platforms, or even colleagues and friends, making it challenging for users to distinguish them from genuine communications.

The process typically involves the attacker sending an email that might claim there's an urgent issue requiring the recipient's attention, such as a problem with their account or a need to verify personal information. The email will contain a link that directs the recipient to a fake website—a convincing replica of a legitimate site—where they are asked to enter confidential information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers.

For example, you might receive an email that appears to be from your bank, stating that your account has been temporarily locked due to suspicious activities. It would ask you to click on a provided link to verify your identity and restore your account access. However, the link would take you to a phony website that looks strikingly similar to your bank's genuine website, where entering your login details would actually hand over your sensitive information to the attackers.

This strategy leverages the element of urgency and the apparent authenticity of the communication to trick individuals into acting hastily, bypassing their usual caution. The consequences of falling victim to phishing can range from financial loss to identity theft, highlighting the importance of being vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited communications that ask for personal information.


Spear phishing is a more targeted version of phishing that focuses on specific individuals or employees within an organization. Attackers pose as a trusted entity, often mimicking internal departments like human resources or impersonating key figures such as the IT director. The fraudulent communication is crafted to look genuine, with the aim of tricking the recipient into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or personal data. This method is highly personalized, utilizing details about the target to increase the email's credibility, making it more likely that the recipient will respond or comply with the requests. The ultimate objective of spear phishing is to exploit the acquired information for malicious purposes, ranging from unauthorized access to confidential systems to identity theft or financial fraud. This precise approach makes spear phishing a particularly dangerous and effective form of cyber attack.






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