Cybercriminals Are Targeting People — Not Just Systems

In the past, ransomware was the headline-grabbing threat for businesses. But now? Social engineering is taking center stage.

Instead of hacking systems, attackers are tricking people. They manipulate your staff into clicking links, sharing passwords, or sending money — and they’re getting smarter every day.

West Chester, Hershey, Lancaster, and Philadelphia businesses are seeing an increase in these attacks. And most teams aren’t trained or prepared to respond.

If you don’t have the right cybersecurity support, your employees could be the weakest link in your entire security strategy.

What Is Social Engineering?

Social engineering is when an attacker uses deception and psychological manipulation to trick someone into doing something that compromises security.

Common examples include:

• Phishing emails that look like invoices, password resets, or messages from your CEO
• Phone calls from fake vendors or “IT support” asking for access
• Text messages with malicious links pretending to be account alerts
• Pretexting — where someone pretends to be a customer, vendor, or partner

The goal is the same: gain access, steal data, or convince someone to send money.

Why Social Engineering Is So Dangerous

Unlike ransomware, which relies on breaching your firewall or exploiting outdated software, social engineering attacks your team’s judgment. And no firewall can fix that.

Here’s why these attacks are so successful:

• The messages look incredibly real
• Attackers use urgency and fear to push fast decisions
• Employees often don’t know what red flags to look for
• Once access is given, it’s often too late to undo the damage

Even businesses with strong IT services in Philadelphia or Lancaster are vulnerable if they’re not training staff regularly.

What Happens When These Attacks Succeed?

Real-world outcomes we’ve seen include:

• Employees wiring money to fake vendors
• CFOs being impersonated in email threads
• Login credentials stolen and sold on the dark web
• Client data exposed through shared file links
• Malware installed from a fake Microsoft login page

These attacks are low-tech, but high-impact — and they’re increasing fast.

How to Defend Against Social Engineering (Without Breaking the Bank)

You don’t need a huge cybersecurity budget to protect your business. You need the right tools, training, and IT consulting partner to make it simple and consistent.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Quarterly phishing simulations to test your team
• Ongoing cybersecurity training in short, easy-to-digest videos
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all business apps
• Strict password policies and regular password changes
• Dark web monitoring to alert you if credentials are exposed
• A solid network assessment to spot vulnerabilities in advance

With these systems in place, your people become your first line of defense — not your biggest risk.

Most IT Providers Don’t Cover This — We Do

Many IT support providers handle technical issues but stop short of user-focused security. That’s a mistake. Human-targeted attacks are too common to ignore.

At IntermixIT, our managed IT services include:

• Security awareness training
• Employee phishing tests
• Monthly dark web scanning
• Email security and monitoring
• Incident response planning

You get protection, prevention, and peace of mind — without the guesswork.

Book a Free 15-Minute Cybersecurity Strategy Call

If you’re unsure whether your team would fall for a social engineering scam, don’t wait to find out the hard way.

Schedule your 15-minute consultation and get a clear plan to reduce your risk — fast, simple, and tailored to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is social engineering in cybersecurity?
It’s the use of deception to trick employees into giving access, sending money, or sharing sensitive information — often through phishing, calls, or texts.

How common are social engineering attacks?
Very common. Over 90% of successful data breaches involve some form of social engineering.

Can IT services prevent social engineering?
Yes — especially when IT services include training, phishing tests, and policy enforcement.

What’s the difference between phishing and social engineering?
Phishing is a type of social engineering. The broader category includes impersonation, fake phone calls, baiting, and more.

Do I need to train my team if we already have antivirus?
Absolutely. Antivirus can’t stop someone from clicking a fake link or giving away credentials.

How do I test if my staff is vulnerable?
Run a phishing simulation. We offer this as part of our managed IT services.

What is dark web monitoring and how does it help?
It checks if your employees’ emails or passwords have been compromised and alerts you before attackers can use them.

Is social engineering covered by cyber insurance?
It depends. Many insurers now require proof of employee training and MFA before they’ll approve claims.

Can you help us with a social engineering prevention plan?
Yes — schedule a network assessment or 15-minute call to get started.

Is this a concern even for small businesses?
Definitely. Small businesses are often easier targets because they’re less protected and more trusting.