This is testing for resistance to human-centered attacks. Specialists check how well your employees are protected against manipulation and deception that attackers can use to gain access to confidential information or company systems. It’s a kind of “awareness test” that helps identify weaknesses and increase resilience to social attacks.
Experts can use different approaches, simulating scenarios that employees might face, such as phishing or phone attacks. At the end, you will receive a report with recommendations for training and improving employee awareness to minimize the risk of successful attacks through human error and strengthen company security.
Testing types
Phishing
Phishing is a form of social engineering aimed at tricking users into accessing sensitive information such as logins, passwords or financial data. Phishing attacks often occur through emails, text messages or fake websites that masquerade as legitimate sources such as banks, social media or corporate platforms. The goal is to convince the victim to reveal their data or perform dangerous actions, such as clicking on a link or downloading a malicious file.
During phishing resistance testing, experts simulate realistic scenarios, such as sending phishing emails with fake logos and designs that can confuse even experienced users. These tests provide insight into how aware a company’s employees are of phishing and how well they can recognize such threats.
Vishing
Vishing is a form of social engineering in which attackers use phone calls to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, banking data, or personal information. Vishing attacks are often disguised as calls from banks, tech support, or other trusted organizations. Attackers may pose as bank employees, tech support or even government officials to convince the victim to reveal their data or perform actions such as transferring money to a “secure” account.
During vishing tests, experts simulate realistic scenarios, such as calls with fake numbers and convincing pretexts. These tests help assess how prepared employees are to recognize the threat and not succumb to manipulation over the phone.
Smishing
Smishing is a form of social engineering in which attackers use text messages (SMS) to obtain sensitive information such as passwords, bank card details or personal information. Smishing attacks typically appear as messages from banks, delivery services or other trusted sources and contain links to fake websites or urges to reply to the message. The goal is to convince the victim to reveal personal information or perform actions that could jeopardize their security.
During smishing attack testing, experts create realistic scenarios by sending SMS with fake links and texts similar to those that could be used by attackers. Such tests help assess how aware employees are of such threats and whether they are ready to recognize them.
Pretexting
Pretexting is a form of social engineering in which an attacker concocts a convincing backstory or legend (pretext) to gain the victim’s trust and gain access to sensitive information. In pretexting, the attacker may pose as a company employee, tech support, colleague, or official to convince the victim to reveal data that would normally be inaccessible.
During pretexting attack resistance testing, experts create realistic scenarios in which they attempt to obtain information based on a carefully crafted legend. These tests allow the company to understand how prepared employees are to resist manipulation and are protected from attacks that exploit trust and identity.
Baiting
Baiting is a form of social engineering in which attackers use something attractive or interesting as bait to gain access to sensitive information or systems. This could be, for example, a flash drive left in a public place, or the promise of free access to software, movies, or other valuable information. Once the victim “takes the bait,” they may unwittingly activate the malware or grant the attacker access to the system.
During baiting tests, experts can simulate scenarios such as leaving flash drives with fake inscriptions or sending emails with tempting offers. These tests help to understand how aware employees are of such threats and whether they are prepared to avoid such risks.
Quid Pro Quo
Quid Pro Quo is a type of social engineering in which an attacker offers something of value or utility in exchange for access to confidential information or the performance of certain actions. Attackers may, for example, pretend to be tech support and offer to “help” solve computer problems while asking for commands or personal information. The goal is to give the impression of a mutually beneficial exchange so that the victim will disclose sensitive information or grant access to the system.
During Quid Pro Quo-attack Resistance Testing, experts simulate situations in which they offer help or a favor in exchange for information. These tests help reveal how aware employees are of such deceptive techniques and whether they are prepared to avoid potentially dangerous offers.
