10 Examples of social engineering attacks in the real world

Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information. Here are 10 real examples of such attacks and their significant impacts.

1. The Target data breach

In 2013, hackers used social engineering to access Target's network, resulting in the theft of 40 million credit card numbers.

2. The Yahoo data breach

Yahoo a subi une massive violation de données en 2013, où des tactiques d'ingénierie sociale ont été employées pour accéder aux comptes des utilisateurs.

3. The Google and Facebook scam

Between 2013 and 2015, a Lithuanian man tricked Google and Facebook into transferring over 100 million dollars by posing as a supplier.

4. L'incident Ubiquiti Networks

In 2015, Ubiquiti Networks lost $46.7 million due to a phishing scam involving social engineering tactics.

5. The IRS tax scam

Des escrocs ont utilisé l'ingénierie sociale pour se faire passer pour des agents de l'IRS, entraînant des pertes financières significatives pour les victimes.

6. The hacking of Sony's PlayStation network

In 2011, social engineering tactics were used to compromise the PlayStation network, affecting 77 million accounts.

7. The WhatsApp business account scam

Des escrocs ont utilisé l'ingénierie sociale pour détourner des comptes professionnels, entraînant des transactions non autorisées.

8. The Bitcoin scam on Twitter

In 2020, hackers used social engineering to access Twitter accounts, promoting a Bitcoin scam that defrauded users.

9. La violation de données de Marriott

In 2018, Marriott revealed a data breach that was partly attributed to social engineering attacks.

10. The ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline

In 2021, a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline was facilitated by social engineering tactics, leading to widespread fuel shortages.

FAQ

• Qu'est-ce que l'ingénierie sociale ? C'est une technique de manipulation qui exploite la psychologie humaine.
• Comment puis-je me protéger contre les attaques d'ingénierie sociale ? Be cautious of unsolicited communications and verify identities before sharing information.