Social Engineering Attacks: Success Factors and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of social engineering attacks, identifying key success factors and determining ways to enhance protection effectiveness. Our review of existing scientific literature demonstrates that social engineering attacks exhibit high adaptability and employ a broad spectrum of manipulation techniques, rendering traditional countermeasures insufficient. Particular attention is paid to the psychology of attackers, who exploit an understanding of human psychology to target cognitive and behavioral vulnerabilities. However, the primary focus remains on user vulnerability, emphasizing that the human factor is the key target, while technical measures play a secondary role. A significant research outcome is the identification of future scientific and practical directions. Developing integrated defense approaches is essential, combining technical measures with user awareness initiatives and cybersecurity training implementation. The application of specialized analytical systems, leveraging artificial intelligence technologies, is proposed as a promising tool for early threat detection and mitigation. Synthesizing the findings, the authors stress the importance of integrating disciplinary knowledge and combining expertise from diverse specialists to develop comprehensive defense strategies. Recommendations include strengthening information security personnel training, building sustainable employee competencies, and incorporating cybersecurity fundamentals into school curricula. This article lays the foundation for future research, innovation development, and implementation in information security practice, emphasizing the multifaceted and multidisciplinary nature of the challenges addressed.