Ravi Sir's Cyber Security Cards › Revision Cards
Types of Social Engineering
Types of Social Engineering The common forms of social engineering. Phishing (email), vishing (phone call), smishing (SMS), baiting (a dropped USB), tailgating (walking in behind staff). Most real attacks start with one of these, then use technical tools. The human is the entry point. Give staff a c
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What this card says
What it is
The common forms of social engineering.
Types
Phishing (email), vishing (phone call), smishing (SMS), baiting (a dropped USB), tailgating (walking in behind staff).
Why it matters for security
Most real attacks start with one of these, then use technical tools.
The human is the entry point. Give staff a clear “when in doubt, escalate” rule.
| Type | Channel | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Phishing | A fake "your KYC expired" email with a link to a lookalike… | |
| Spear phishing | Email, targeted | A personalised mail to one employee, using their real name… |
| Vishing | Voice call | "Bank officer" asking for OTP to "stop a fraudulent… |
| Smishing | SMS | "Your parcel is held, pay ₹15 here: [link]" |
| Pretexting | Any | A made-up story ("I am from IT support") to gain trust |
Learn more in the lesson: 27.2 Types of Social Engineering