Company
Date Published
Author
Keshia Rose
Word count
3207
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Fintech companies often focus on safeguarding against technical vulnerabilities but can overlook insider threats, particularly those arising from social engineering. Social engineering exploits human psychology rather than system flaws, manipulating individuals to reveal sensitive information through tactics such as phishing, vishing, and pretexting. According to Verizon's 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 68% of breaches involve a human element, with social engineering attacks in the financial sector being predominantly financially motivated. These attacks typically follow a four-phase process: reconnaissance, engagement, exploitation, and closure, often targeting high-value accounts and key financial personnel. The 2023 MGM Resorts breach exemplifies the devastating impact of social engineering, where attackers used vishing to gain access to sensitive systems, resulting in significant financial losses and operational disruptions. To combat these threats, organizations should enhance both technical defenses, such as multi-factor authentication and device intelligence, and human-focused strategies like regular training and awareness programs. Advanced tools like Fingerprint's device intelligence platform can help identify and mitigate risks by analyzing device behavior and spotting suspicious activity, offering a robust defense against social engineering while maintaining user experience.