What Is a Social Engineering Cyber Attack?
Social engineering is a type of cyber attack that uses human behavior — not technical weaknesses — to gain access to sensitive information or systems. Instead of breaking through firewalls, attackers trick people into giving away access.
They might pretend to be your boss, your IT provider, or even a vendor. Their goal is simple: get someone to click a link, give out a password, or transfer money.
It’s one of the most common — and dangerous — tactics in modern cybercrime. Even companies with solid firewalls and antivirus software can fall victim if employees aren’t trained to spot these scams.
How These Attacks Work
Attackers use trust, urgency, and curiosity to fool employees. Here are the most common social engineering strategies:
- Phishing emails that look like messages from banks, clients, or coworkers
- Phone calls (vishing) from fake IT support or vendors
- Text messages (smishing) that urge someone to click on a suspicious link
- Impersonation on social media or even in person at your office
- Pretexting, where attackers build a believable story to get information
These attacks often target customer service teams, finance departments, and executives — anyone who has access to systems or decision-making authority.
Real-World Stats You Should Know
Here’s how serious the threat has become:
- 98% of cyber attacks involve social engineering
- $2.7 billion was lost to business email compromise scams in 2024
- Over 91% of successful data breaches start with a phishing email
- AI-generated attacks are growing, with deepfake voices and messages now being used to trick victims into giving access or transferring money
The rise of AI means these attacks are getting harder to spot. Fake emails and calls now sound shockingly real.
What Makes Businesses Vulnerable
Even businesses with great firewalls and antivirus software are still at risk because the weak point isn’t the tech — it’s the people.
Common vulnerabilities include:
- No cybersecurity training for employees
- Lack of multi-factor authentication
- Poor password policies
- No protocol for verifying sensitive requests
- Over-reliance on email communication without safeguards
This is where cybersecurity services and IT support can help lock down your business.
What to Look Out For
Teach your team to spot the warning signs:
- Unusual urgency: “Act now or lose access!”
- Typos or strange email addresses
- Links that go to odd websites
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or login info
- Messages asking you to bypass normal procedures
If something feels off — it probably is. Encourage your team to slow down and verify.
How to Protect Your Business
Protection starts with awareness and smart practices. Here’s how we recommend you defend against social engineering attacks:
- Conduct regular cybersecurity training
- Implement MFA (multi-factor authentication) across all systems
- Use password managers to reduce weak or repeated passwords
- Review access controls and permissions
- Partner with a trusted managed IT service provider who can monitor for threats and respond fast
You can also run a network assessment to see where your gaps are and how to close them.
How IntermixIT Helps You Stay Safe
Our team at IntermixIT offers full cybersecurity services that go beyond basic antivirus. We train your team, build real defenses, and respond fast when something suspicious happens.
Whether you need supplemental IT support or full managed IT services, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll even test your team with real-world simulations to make sure they’re ready to handle real threats.
Book a 15-Minute Cybersecurity Strategy Call
Worried your team might fall for a scam? Let’s talk. We’ll help you figure out your next steps with a free, no-pressure call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a social engineering cyber attack?
It’s a type of cyber attack that manipulates people into giving up information or access, often through phishing, fake calls, or impersonation.
How do phishing emails work?
They pretend to be legitimate — like from a bank or coworker — and get people to click dangerous links or share login info.
Are small businesses targeted by social engineering?
Yes. Small and medium businesses are especially at risk because they often have fewer cybersecurity services in place.
Can AI make social engineering attacks worse?
Definitely. AI is being used to create more convincing phishing emails, fake voices, and even deepfake videos.
What IT services help prevent these attacks?
Managed IT services, training programs, MFA setup, and email monitoring all help reduce risk.
How can I train my team to recognize social engineering?
Run simulations, teach common red flags, and partner with an IT support team that specializes in security training.
What are the signs of a social engineering attack?
Urgency, misspelled names, strange email addresses, and odd requests for money or login details are all red flags.
How do I respond to a suspected attack?
Stop all activity, report it to your IT team, and alert your managed IT service provider immediately.
Is multi-factor authentication really necessary?
Yes. MFA adds an extra layer of protection that stops many attacks even if a password is compromised.
Where can I get help with cybersecurity?
Start with a network assessment or reach out to IntermixIT for tailored cybersecurity services.
