Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Practice Exam 2026 – The Complete All-in-One Guide to Exam Mastery!

Social engineering, in the context of cybersecurity, refers to the psychological manipulation of individuals to gain confidential or sensitive information, such as login credentials or personal data. This technique exploits human psychology rather than technical hacking strategies, making it particularly challenging to defend against since it often relies on trust, fear, or other emotional triggers.

While taking advantage of social networks can be a component of social engineering tactics, it does not encompass the full breadth of what social engineering entails, which is primarily the manipulation of individuals themselves to extract information. Similarly, creating social media campaigns for awareness is focused on promoting safety rather than exploiting vulnerabilities, and using social skills for team collaboration is more about effective communication in a professional environment rather than gaining unauthorized access to information. The essence of social engineering lies in its ability to deceive individuals into revealing information they otherwise might not share, making the manipulation of people to gain sensitive information the most accurate definition.