In today’s interconnected world, online social networks have become an integral part of our lives. They enable us to connect, share, and engage with others on a global scale. However, with this increased connectivity comes the lurking danger of online social network-based attacks. These malicious activities exploit the trust and vulnerabilities inherent in social interactions, putting our personal information, privacy, and even financial security at risk.
Online social network-based attacks are a type of cyber-attack that uses online social networks to target users. Examples of online social networks are social media platforms, discussion forums, online gaming communities, etc. The focus of this blog post is to delve into online social network-based attacks from a social engineering perspective. By gaining an adequate understanding of these attacks, readers can arm themselves with knowledge to better protect their personal information and navigate the digital landscape with caution.
So, let’s explore five of these attacks commonly used by cybercriminals, and empower ourselves with the tools needed to stay safe in the world of online social networks.
Catfishing
Catfishing is a deceptive online social network-based attack in which a person creates a fake or fictional identity to trick and manipulate others into forming a romantic, emotional, or personal relationship with them. The term “catfishing” originated from the 2010 documentary film “Catfish,” which depicted such a scenario. The motivations behind catfishing can vary, from seeking attention and validation to more malicious intentions like financial fraud or revenge. Catfishing is similar to traditional phishing in that the perpetrator does not have a specific target in mind. The catfisher begins by creating an elaborate online persona using stolen images, fabricated details, and fictional stories to make the profile appear genuine and appealing. Once the fake profile is set up, the catfisher uses charm, sympathy, and emotional manipulation to gain the trust and sympathy of their target. As the relationship deepens, the catfisher may exploit the victim’s emotions and trust to request personal information, financial assistance, or other favors.
Honey Trap
If catfishing is the equivalent of traditional phishing, then a Honey trap would be the equivalent of a spear phishing attempt. This is because prior research is done and used to target a specific victim. For instance, an attacker has found out a target once visited Spain and has a particular liking for women from that country. The attacker would then open a fake profile and commence commenting and linking the target’s posts. This fake profile would have stolen photos from a woman of Spanish origin and the country of residence would be clearly stated on the profile. The target sees this and thinks he finally has a chance to meet someone from Spain. Once the target starts a relationship with the fake profile, the attacker can deceive him in many ways, like trying to get money from him.
Angler phishing
This is a crafty online attack that occurs within the comment section on social forums. Here’s how it works, the attacker searches for comments where customers express dissatisfaction with a product, process, or service. Pretending to be a helpful customer satisfaction specialist, the attacker responds to the unhappy customer and asks for detailed information to address their problem. Sadly, the unsuspecting customer may share personal details, hoping for a resolution, without realizing they’ve been phished. The attacker exploits the desperate need for Solutions knowing that the targets are dealing with unresolved problems, making them more susceptible to providing personal information in the hope of finding a solution. Also equally exploited is the unwavering trust Customers place in Customer experience representatives of the companies they interact with, which makes them more likely to believe and comply with the attacker’s deceptive tactics.
App Spoofing
App spoofing is a deceptive attack in which attackers create fake or counterfeit versions of legitimate mobile applications. These counterfeit apps often closely resemble the original ones, aiming to trick users into downloading and using them. Once installed, these spoofed apps may steal sensitive information, deliver malware, or engage in other malicious activities. To achieve this attackers design fake versions of popular apps, often mimicking the interface, logo, and functionality of the genuine app. They distribute these spoofed apps through unofficial app stores, malicious websites, or even through social media, disguised as legitimate software. They then use various tactics to entice users to install the fake apps, such as promising exclusive content, discounts, or early access to new features.
Likejacking
Likejacking is a type of clickjacking attack that targets social media users. In a likejacking attack, the attacker will embed a malicious iframe on a website that is invisible to the user. The iframe will contain a hidden Facebook “Like” button. When the user clicks on what they think is a legitimate part of the website, they are actually clicking on the hidden “Like” button, which will cause them to “like” the attacker’s Facebook page. The page would have links to other malicious websites, and by liking the page, he has unknowingly opened the doors for his contacts to interact with malicious content. Likejacking attacks can be very effective because they exploit the trust that users have in social media platforms. Users are less likely to be suspicious of a website that they think is legitimate, and they are more likely to click on buttons that they think are part of that website.
Steps for Protection
General Steps for Protection
- Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information on social networks, such as financial details, home addresses, or private contact information. Be mindful of oversharing, as attackers can use such information to craft personalized social engineering attacks.
- Educate yourself and others about common social engineering tactics and scams prevalent on social networks.
- Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to detect and prevent potential threats. Regularly update the software to ensure protection against the latest threats.
Specific Steps for Protection
- Catfishing – When connecting with someone on social networks, be cautious and verify their identity. Look for mutual connections, reverse image search their profile picture, and ensure their online presence aligns with their claimed identity.
- Catfishing – If you plan to meet someone from a social network in person, arrange to meet in a public place and let someone you trust know about the meeting.
- Honey Trap – Exercise caution when interacting with people you’ve never met in person, especially if they seem too good to be true or share personal details too quickly.
- Honey Trap – Press for a video chat. This is the best way to confirm that the person you’re talking to is who they say they are. If they refuse to video chat, it’s a good sign that they’re not being honest with you.
- Angler Phishing – Exercise caution when sharing personal information, especially when approached by someone claiming to be a representative of a company. Verify their legitimacy before providing any details.
- Angler Phishing – If you encounter a problem with a service, reach out to the official customer support channels of the company through verified contact information, rather than responding to unsolicited messages.
- App Spoofing – Download apps only from official app stores, such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. These platforms have security measures in place to minimize the risk of counterfeit apps.
- App Spoofing – Pay attention to the developer’s name and email address listed on the app’s page in the app store. Check if it matches the legitimate developer’s information.
- Likejacking – Use a security plugin for your browser that can block clickjacking attacks
- Likejacking – Look for the “X-Frame-Options” header in the website’s code. This header can help to prevent iframes from being embedded on the website
Conclusion
In conclusion, the prevalence of online social network-based attacks poses significant risks to our personal information, privacy, and security. As we navigate the digital landscape, it is crucial to be aware of the various deceptive tactics cybercriminals employ to exploit the trust and vulnerabilities inherent in social interactions.
By being vigilant, cautious, and well-informed about these social engineering tactics, we can better protect ourselves, our personal data, and our digital presence in the interconnected world of online social networks. Let’s empower ourselves with knowledge and take the necessary precautions to stay safe and secure while enjoying the benefits of these platforms.