It's just after 6 p.m. and the end of the working day is approaching. Anna is sitting on the train when her smartphone vibrates. A text message from her bank: "Your account has been blocked for security reasons. Please click on the following link to confirm your details." Her heart rate rises. It's her bank! Or is it?
Such moments are precisely those that fraudsters rely on for social engineering. They know that many people act quickly in stressful situations or under time pressure - and that is precisely when they reveal personal data.
Occasion: Social Engineering Day
The annual Social Engineering Day takes place on August 6. This day of action draws attention worldwide to how fraudsters use psychological tricks to obtain sensitive data - and how consumers can protect themselves.
Because social engineering is one of the fastest growing threats in the field of cybercrime, this day is a good opportunity to refresh your knowledge and review your personal security measures.
What is behind social engineering?
Social engineering is one of the most common methods used by fraudsters to obtain sensitive information from consumers - such as passwords, card details or TANs. They do not rely on technical hacking methods, but on targeted deception and manipulation of people, often by telephone, email or messaging service.
The methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated: phishing emails are almost indistinguishable from the original, smishing text messages look authentic and when vishing on the phone, callers pretend to be bank employees with authentic voices. Targeted manipulation creates fear or time pressure, and many perpetrators also take advantage of people's willingness to help in order to deceive them.
These attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, especially with AI: deepfakes make voices or videos appear real, fake websites can no longer be visually distinguished from the original.
Why even cautious people can be affected by social engineering
Even if people are careful, they can become victims of social engineering, because perpetrators rely on emotions. An e-mail announces that your account will be blocked immediately. A text message promises a big prize. A caller speaks calmly and seriously - and may even provide real data to gain trust.
This mixture of credibility and pressure can even deceive people who are actually not so easy to deceive. This is precisely why it is so important to know your own protective mechanisms.
Recognize phishing: Seven tips to see through social engineering
The best protection is awareness. So what can Anna do to protect her bank account from fraud? These seven tips will help you recognize common traps:
1. do not pass on sensitive data over the phone
Banks and Sparkassen never ask for PINs, TANs, passwords or complete card numbers - neither over the phone nor by e-mail or text message.
2. skepticism is healthy
Suspicious message? Unusual call? Don't let yourself be put under pressure. It's better to pause for a moment and check.
3. check the sender carefully
Emails from known names may be fake. Small discrepancies in the address or spelling mistakes are a warning sign.
4. use official contact channels
If in doubt, call the bank yourself - using known telephone numbers, not the number given in suspicious messages.
5. consciously check websites
Before banking or shopping online: Check the URL carefully, it must begin with "https". You should also be careful with similarly spelled addresses.
6. maintain digital security
It is essential to use different and, above all, strong passwords that need to be updated regularly. A password manager can be useful for keeping track of this. If possible, two-factor authentication should be activated.
7. Keep an eye on your account
. Check regularly for unusual transactions. If you lose your card suspect unauthorized use, immediately call the emergency card-blocking hotline at 116 116 and have all relevant cards blocked. You may also need to arrange for the police to block electronic direct debits (“KUNO block”).
Conclusion: caution is not mistrust, but self-protection
Social engineering is a sophisticated form of fraud that relies on trust. With attention, many attacks can be detected before damage is done.
If you are aware of how the perpetrators act, you not only strengthen your own security, but also that of the entire digital world.
Further tips and information can also be found at www.kartensicherheit.de.
