Social engineering is the act of manipulating people into giving away confidential information. Attackers often impersonate trusted organizations such as banks, suppliers, IT staff, or mobile carriers to steal passwords, credit card numbers, or sensitive corporate data. Once they obtain your credentials, they can impersonate you, steal information, commit fraud, or gain access to company systems. They may also use your personal details, such as your national ID or banking information, to steal your identity or compromise your home devices.
Impact on URSB
Social engineering poses a serious risk to URSB. One real example involved a fake email sent to staff claiming there was an increase in salaries. The message looked like an authentic URSB email but redirected users to a malicious page asking them to enter their logins. Such attacks can lead to unauthorized access to systems, confidential records, or restricted areas. Hackers may install malware, steal data, misuse URSB devices, or send harmful emails through the URSB network, resulting in financial loss, legal issues, and reputational damage.
How to Protect Yourself
Always verify credentials before granting access. Be cautious of urgent messages requesting information. Check URLs carefully, avoid suspicious links, never share your login credentials, and confirm that any website or email requesting your data is legitimate.
Article by
Prisca Natuhwera
Senior Networks and Security Officer