Social Engineering

Catalog description

Social Engineering explores the psychological manipulation tactics used by malicious actors to exploit human trust, gain unauthorized access, and compromise security systems. This course introduces students to the techniques of social engineers, ranging from phishing and pretexting to physical tailgating and influence campaigns. Students will study both the offensive strategies attackers employ and the defensive countermeasures organizations can use to protect against these threats. In addition to learning the theory and practice of social engineering, students will analyze case studies of major attacks and develop strategies to mitigate them. The course emphasizes practical application, with students engaging in simulations and role-play scenarios to better understand attacker motivations and human vulnerabilities. Students will also explore modern approaches to security awareness training, including gamification and behavior-change strategies, to design effective educational campaigns. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of how social engineering fits into the broader cybersecurity threat landscape. They will be equipped not only to recognize and defend against manipulative tactics but also to design and deliver impactful training programs that build resilience in individuals and organizations. An additional fee may be associated with this course.