What technique does 'Social Engineering' exploit?

Social engineering primarily exploits human error and manipulation. This technique relies on psychological tactics to deceive individuals into revealing confidential information, granting access to secure systems, or taking actions that compromise security. Rather than targeting technological systems or physical barriers directly, social engineering seeks to manipulate people's behavior and decision-making processes. This includes using tactics such as phishing emails, pretexting, and baiting, where attackers craft scenarios that create trust or urgency, leading individuals to inadvertently disclose sensitive data or unwittingly aid in a security breach. Understanding this technique is crucial for marine safety personnel, as recognizing and mitigating social engineering threats is essential for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of security protocols.