What Are Social Engineering Attacks? And How to Stay Protected
What Are Social Engineering Attacks? And How to Stay Protected
You’ve probably heard the term “phishing” or maybe even “scam emails”—but those are just part of a bigger problem called social engineering attacks. At ABQ Computer Pros, we’ve seen firsthand how clever scammers trick people into giving away personal information, passwords, or even full access to their systems.
Let’s break down what social engineering is, how to spot it, and what you can do to protect yourself or your business.
What Is a Social Engineering Attack?
Unlike traditional hacking that targets software vulnerabilities, social engineering targets something much more vulnerable: human behavior.
A social engineering attack is when a scammer manipulates someone into revealing sensitive info or taking risky actions—like clicking a fake link or sending money. The attacker pretends to be someone trustworthy: your boss, your bank, tech support, or even a friend.
The goal? To steal information, infect your system, or gain access to accounts.
Common Types of Social Engineering Attacks
Phishing Emails
These look like legitimate messages from your bank, Amazon, or Microsoft. They often contain urgent language (“Your account is locked!”) and ask you to click a link or download an attachment.Phone Scams (Vishing)
A fake tech support rep calls claiming your computer is infected and asks for remote access—or tries to sell you useless software.Text Message Scams (Smishing)
You get a text that says you’ve won a prize, missed a delivery, or need to verify a payment. These often contain dangerous links.Impersonation or Pretexting
Someone pretends to be your boss or coworker and asks you to buy gift cards or share login details. It’s surprisingly effective.
How to Protect Yourself from Social Engineering
Here are some easy ways to keep your information safe:
✅ Think before you click.
Never click on suspicious links or open unexpected attachments—especially from unknown senders.
✅ Double-check requests.
If someone emails or messages you for sensitive info, verify their identity by calling them directly.
✅ Use strong, unique passwords.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Better yet, use a password manager.
✅ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
This adds an extra layer of protection—even if someone gets your password.
✅ Keep your systems updated.
Security patches close the holes that attackers love to exploit.
What to Do If You Fall Victim
If you think you've clicked something suspicious or shared sensitive info:
Change your passwords immediately
Disconnect your device from the internet
Run a full antivirus scan
Call ABQ Computer Pros for a full security check
ABQ Computer Pros Is Here to Help
At ABQ Computer Pros, we help individuals and small businesses in Albuquerque defend against online threats. Whether you've already fallen victim to a scam or want to improve your cybersecurity, we’ve got the tools and know-how to keep you safe.
🛡️ Services we offer:
Malware & virus removal
Security audits & device hardening
Safe email & browsing setup
Employee security training
📍 Locally owned and trusted by the Albuquerque community.
💬 Contact ABQ Computer Pros today—let’s make your tech safe and secure from social engineering attacks!
