(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What is social engineering?

1. A form of computer programming that enhances security.

2. The use of deception to manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information.

3. A technique for improving software engineering practices.

4. A strategy for securing physical environments against intruders.

The correct answer is: The use of deception to manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information.

Social engineering refers to the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. This tactic often exploits psychological tricks to gain the target's trust, leading them to unwittingly provide access to sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card details, or security codes. Understanding this concept is crucial in cybersecurity, as such manipulative techniques can bypass more technical security measures by directly targeting human behaviors. This highlights the importance of training and awareness programs within organizations to mitigate the risks associated with social engineering attacks. Recognizing and understanding these tactics helps individuals and organizations put in place better safeguards against potential threats to their information security. The other options do not accurately define social engineering; while A and C discuss programming and software practices and D focuses on physical security strategies, none capture the essence of manipulative tactics utilized to compromise confidential information.