Top 10 Most Common Social Engineering Attacks

21 Mar Small Business Alert: Top 10 Most Common Social Engineering Attacks

This week in cybersecurity from the editors at Cybercrime Magazine

Sausalito, Calif. – Mar. 21, 2025

–Read the full story in Tech Bullion

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrime is projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This estimate includes various cyber threats, such as ransomware, data breaches, and social engineering attacks, highlighting the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity measures.

Small businesses are especially at risk, and Tech Bullion highlights what they need to be aware of.

Top 10 Most Common Social Engineering Attacks

1. Phishing Emails: Fraudulent emails that impersonate trusted sources to steal credentials.

2. Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks against specific employees using personal details to increase credibility.

3. CEO Fraud (Whaling): Attackers impersonate executives to request urgent wire transfers.

4. Vishing (Voice Phishing): Fraudulent calls from attackers pretending to be IT support or bank representatives.

5. Smishing (SMS Phishing): Text messages containing malicious links or fake security alerts.

6. Business Email Compromise (BEC): Cybercriminals hijack business email accounts to send fraudulent requests.

7. Baiting: Attackers leave infected USB drives or malicious links disguised as free downloads.

8. Quid Pro Quo Attacks: Fraudsters offer fake technical support to trick employees into revealing credentials.

9. Tailgating (Physical Social Engineering): Attackers gain unauthorized access to offices by following employees through security checkpoints.

10. Deepfake Scams: AI-generated voice and video impersonations used to manipulate employees into taking action.

Tech Bullion also covers the most effective strategies small businesses can use to protect against social engineering attacks.

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