What does the term "social engineering" refer to in cybersecurity?

The term "social engineering" in cybersecurity primarily refers to the manipulation of individuals to gain confidential information. This tactic exploits human psychology rather than relying on technical hacking methods. Social engineers may use various techniques to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive data, such as passwords or personal identification information, often by impersonating a trusted entity or authority.

This manipulation can occur through various channels, including email, phone calls, or in-person interactions, making it crucial for individuals and organizations to understand the risks associated with social engineering tactics. Being aware of these methods helps in fostering a culture of security awareness and can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.

The other options, while related to cybersecurity, do not accurately capture the essence of social engineering. The first option discusses technological defenses, while the third suggests a specific type of scam, and the fourth refers to automated detection tools—none of which involve the psychological manipulation aspect that defines social engineering.