Question

Social engineering targets often include personnel whose job is to assist. These include receptionists, help desks, technical support execs, vendors outside the organization, sysads, and regular users. What is the main purpose of targeting these individuals?

1) To gain unauthorized access to sensitive information
2) To improve customer service
3) To increase employee productivity
4) To enhance network security

Answer 1

Social engineering aims to exploit the helpful nature of certain job roles, such as receptionists and tech support, to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Correct option is 1) To gain unauthorized access to sensitive information

Step-by-step explanation:

The main purpose of targeting individuals such as receptionists, help desks, technical support executives, vendors outside the organization, system administrators, and regular users in social engineering is to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. Hackers and other malicious actors use social engineering attacks to exploit the natural tendency of these individuals to be helpful. Since these roles often have access to or knowledge about systems and security practices, they become prime targets. It's crucial for these personnel to be aware of such tactics to protect the organization's information.

Roles like receptionists and help desk personnel often serve as initial points of contact, making them susceptible to social engineering tactics. System administrators and technical support executives may possess critical information about systems and security practices, making them valuable targets. Regular users may unknowingly become vectors for attacks through methods like phishing.

Awareness and education about social engineering tactics are crucial for personnel in these roles to recognize and resist such attacks, ultimately safeguarding the organization's sensitive information and maintaining overall cybersecurity resilience.