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An overview of social engineering malware: Trends, tactics, and implications

Author

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  • Abraham, Sherly
  • Chengalur-Smith, InduShobha

Abstract

Social engineering continues to be an increasing attack vector for the propagation of malicious programs. For this article, we collected data on malware incidents and highlighted the prevalence and longevity of social engineering malware. We developed a framework that shows the steps social engineering malware executes to be successful. To explain its pervasiveness and persistence, we discuss some common avenues through which such attacks occur. The attack vector is a combination of psychological and technical ploys, which includes luring a computer user to execute the malware, and combating any existing technical countermeasures. We describe some of the prevalent psychological ploys and technical countermeasures used by social engineering malware. We show how the techniques used by purveyors of such malware have evolved to circumvent existing countermeasures. The implications of our analyses lead us to emphasize (1) the importance for organizations to plan a comprehensive information security program, and (2) the shared social responsibility required to combat social engineering malware.

Suggested Citation

  • Abraham, Sherly & Chengalur-Smith, InduShobha, 2010. "An overview of social engineering malware: Trends, tactics, and implications," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 32(3), pages 183-196.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:32:y:2010:i:3:p:183-196
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2010.07.001
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Straub, Jeremy, 2021. "Defining, evaluating, preparing for and responding to a cyber Pearl Harbor," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    2. Nguyen, Phan Dinh & Tran, Lobel Trong Thuy & Baker, John, 2021. "Driving university brand value through social media," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    3. Rickard, Amelia & Wagner, Jeffrey & Schull, Jonathan, 2017. "Observations on the technology and economics of digital emissions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 48(C), pages 28-32.
    4. Asad Hussain & Sunila Fatima Ahmad & Mishal Tanveer & Ansa Sameen Iqbal, 2022. "Computer Malware Classification, Factors, and Detection Techniques: A Systematic Literature Review (SLR)," International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology, 50sea, vol. 4(3), pages 899-918, August.
    5. Naci Akdemir & Serkan Yenal, 2021. "How Phishers Exploit the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Content Analysis of COVID-19 Themed Phishing Emails," SAGE Open, , vol. 11(3), pages 21582440211, July.
    6. Hussain Aldawood & Geoffrey Skinner, 2019. "Reviewing Cyber Security Social Engineering Training and Awareness Programs—Pitfalls and Ongoing Issues," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-16, March.
    7. T. V. Tulupieva, 2022. "Psychological Aspects of the Organization’s Information Security in the Context of Socio-engineering Attacks," Administrative Consulting, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. North-West Institute of Management., issue 2.
    8. Hayes, Darren R. & Cappa, Francesco, 2018. "Open-source intelligence for risk assessment," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 61(5), pages 689-697.

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