Methods of counteracting social engineering

Abstract

Methods of counteracting the use of social engineering are analyzed. Relevant tools, for example, Social-Engineer Toolkit, Social Engineering Defensive Framework, Social Engineering Optimizer, Kali Linux, have been considered as examples of their practical implementation. Among the methods analyzed, penetration testing is highlighted. This method of counteraction is focused on identifying and preventing the exploitation of human (employee, client) vulnerabilities. Human vulnerability testing for penetration testing is done using the Social-Engineer Toolkit and Kali Linux, Cogni-Sense. Each of these tools is focused on the implementation of threats to social engineering. In this case, the Social-Engineer Toolkit can be used individually or as part of Kali Linux. At the same time the method of raising awareness of employees and customers is considered. To do this, he is trained on the likely scenarios of social engineering attacks. As a result of such training, technologies and policies for counteracting socio-engineering influence are being improved. In practice, the method is implemented as the Social Engineering Defensive Framework. At the same time, there are two aspects of counteracting the use of social engineering: the subject (the attacker), the object (the protector) of socio-engineering influence. This method can counteract the use of social engineering by considering likely actions by the attacker. It is considered that the sequence of its actions is determined solely in view of the attack scenarios of  social engineering. This method allows each action to counteract and, consequently, prevent the realization of threats to the use of social engineering. This method is practically implemented by the tool Social Engineering Optimizer. In addition, the method of identifying and reporting to employees (clients) about the use of social engineering is considered. Its practical application of Cogni-Sense is focused on the interpretation of humans as a sensor that responds to socio-engineering impact. Thus, the analysis of counteracting methods for the use of social engineering will allow, first, to consider their advantages and disadvantages to prevent the realization of threats of socio-engineering influence; second, to develop appropriate models, methods and tools to overcome the shortcomings of known solutions.