Social Engineering: Attack Prevention

Some of the measures that individuals have to take to avoid becoming prey to social engineering attacks are:

• Avoid publishing any of your personal information.
• Do not give your personal information over the phone unless you know for sure the other party to whom you are talking. Banks, for instance, won't call you and ask your personal info over the phone.
• Do not believe in any request for your personal information. When in doubt, notify the bank or financial institution named in the request via an official phone number gleaned from a verified legitimate source.
• Always create strong passwords. Never have same passwords for various systems. Ensure that you invariably change your passwords periodically.
• Do not write down your passwords anywhere.
• Ensure to cover up if you have to type your passwords / PIN in front of others.
• Ensure that your screen is clear or is locked when you have to discuss with strangers at your desk.
• Verify regularly your financial statements to ensure that no unauthorized transactions are reflected on them.
• Destroy papers with any unneeded personal information written down by you.