How is social engineering defined in cybersecurity?

Social engineering in cybersecurity is defined as the manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that may compromise security. This technique relies heavily on psychological tactics rather than technical exploits, as attackers often use deception or impersonation to gain trust and encourage victims to disclose sensitive data, such as passwords or personal identification details.

The essence of social engineering lies in its focus on human behavior rather than technology, highlighting the importance of awareness and education in defending against such tactics. As attackers increasingly leverage social engineering to bypass technical controls, understanding this concept becomes essential for individuals and organizations alike to strengthen their security posture.