Which of the following describes social engineering?

Social engineering is best described as manipulating individuals to disclose confidential information. This technique exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities in systems or software. Attackers use deception or psychological tricks to influence individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or personal details, often through means like phishing emails, phone calls, or in-person interactions.

Understanding social engineering is crucial in cybersecurity since it highlights the importance of human awareness and training in safeguarding sensitive information. When employees are educated about the tactics employed by social engineers, they are more likely to resist manipulation and protect the organization’s data.

The other options, while related to cybersecurity, focus on technical solutions and controls rather than the human element that social engineering exploits.