Final answer:
In computing, social engineering is the act of manipulating users into giving away confidential information for unauthorized use.
This can lead to identity theft and has been used in cyber warfare, such as the Russian interference in elections. Understanding and mitigating social engineering is crucial for online security.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a computer context, tricking a user into sharing information that can then be used to access systems is known as social engineering.
This deceptive practice involves manipulating individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes.
Hackers use social engineering techniques because it is often easier to exploit human vulnerability than to break through sophisticated technological defenses.
Identity theft, also known as 'True-name Fraud,' is a form of social engineering where criminals gain unauthorized access to personal identifiers to commit fraud. Common consequences include drained bank accounts and significant debts incurred in the victim's name.
Enterprises and governments have admitted to the threats posed by cyber attacks, and research has shown that metadata can divulge considerable amounts of personal information, including patterns of behavior that can lead to user identification.
The nefarious use of social media by foreign entities, such as Russian interference in elections, also falls under the umbrella of social engineering and cyber warfare.
High-profile incidents, such as the 2014 iCloud data breach, highlight how both celebrities and the general public can have their private information compromised.
With the increasing digital footprint of individuals, the concern for online privacy and security is paramount, and understanding social engineering is critical in mitigating these risks.