Define "social engineering" tactics in cybersecurity.

Social engineering tactics in cybersecurity involve strategies aimed at manipulating individuals into divulging confidential information. This often relies on psychological manipulation rather than technical hacking methods. Attackers exploit human tendencies, such as trust and the desire to help, to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification details.

These tactics are effective because they target the human element of security, where individuals may overlook security protocols or engage in behaviors that compromise data security. By understanding these tactics, organizations can better train their employees to recognize and refrain from sharing sensitive information with unauthorized parties. This focus on human interaction distinguishes social engineering from other cybersecurity practices, which may emphasize technical measures and automated defenses.