Explain the concept of "social engineering."

The concept of social engineering refers to the manipulation of individuals into divulging confidential information, which can include passwords, financial information, or other sensitive data. This tactic relies on psychological techniques to exploit human trust and emotions, making it a significant threat in the realm of cybersecurity. Social engineers often impersonate trusted entities or create scenarios that evoke a sense of urgency or fear, prompting individuals to act without verifying the authenticity of the request.

Understanding social engineering is crucial for security awareness because it emphasizes the importance of personnel training and awareness in preventing data breaches. While technology plays a role in security, social engineering exploits the human element, indicating that even the most advanced security systems can be compromised if individuals are not cautious.