What is a common technique used in social engineering attacks?

Phishing is a well-known technique employed in social engineering attacks, where attackers deceive individuals into providing sensitive information by impersonating legitimate entities. This technique often utilizes emails, instant messages, or websites that closely resemble those of trustworthy organizations. The goal is to manipulate the target into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal details, such as passwords or financial information, under the guise of a legitimate request.

Phishing exploits human psychology, leveraging trust and urgency to prompt quick actions without careful scrutiny. Understanding this technique is crucial for recognizing potential threats, improving awareness around cybersecurity, and implementing preventive measures within organizations to safeguard data and privacy.

In contrast, data encryption and firewall configuration are defensive measures that protect information and networks from unauthorized access but do not directly engage in social engineering. Redundancy refers to the duplication of critical components to improve system reliability, which also does not relate to social engineering practices. Therefore, phishing stands out as the primary method associated with social engineering attacks.