Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Rising Social Engineering Threats
Cybersecurity experts are warning about the growing threat of social engineering, as criminals exploit human weaknesses to gain access to sensitive information. The infosecurity industry is taking note, with pioneers like Jenny Radcliffe, also known as 'The People Hacker', being honored for their work in raising awareness about this issue.
Radcliffe, who has over three decades of experience in social engineering, was inducted into the Infosecurity Hall of Fame at Infosecurity Europe 2022. Her expertise highlights the importance of understanding and defending against social engineering attacks, which have been around as long as there have been cons and frauds. With the proliferation of social media, these attacks have become even more prevalent and dangerous.
Criminal hackers are now using a combination of IT-based attacks and physical methods, such as keystroke loggers and USB sticks, to target human vulnerabilities. This convergence of cyber and physical security threats is set to drive a new generation of attacks. To defend against these, professionals in the field must maintain a high level of discipline, humility, and awareness.
As social engineering continues to evolve, it is crucial for the infosecurity industry to stay vigilant and adapt. Recognizing pioneers like Jenny Radcliffe serves as a reminder of the importance of this work. By understanding and addressing the human factor in security, we can better protect against the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats.