Cybercriminals aim to hack your mind

Cybercriminals have learned that the easiest way to take control of your computer or steal your passwords is to simply ask you for them.

Known as social engineering, this method does not rely on technology or exploit vulnerability in a program. Instead, it is a psychological attack to trick you into divulging information. Cybercriminals build trust with you, pretending to be a person or organization you know. They then exploit this trust to get what they want, such as access to your computer or your passwords.

For more information, including how to protect yourself from social engineering attacks, please read the December issue of the Office of Information Security’s newsletter on Cyber Security.