Learn all about 13 common types of social engineering attacks in 2025, including how they work, real-life examples, and how to avoid them. Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human error to gain private information, access, or valuables . In cybercrime, these “human hacking” scams tend to lure unsuspecting users into exposing data, spreading malware infections, or giving access to restricted systems. Learn what social engineering means in cybersecurity, why it's dangerous, and the common attack types like phishing, baiting, and vishing. A beginner-friendly guide to social engineering with real-world examples and key terms. What is social engineering Social engineering is the term used for a broad range of malicious activities accomplished through human interactions. It uses psychological manipulation to trick users into making security mistakes or giving away sensitive information. Social engineering attacks happen in one or more steps. A perpetrator first investigates the intended victim to gather necessary background information, such as potential points of entry and weak security protocols, needed to ...
