social engineering

noun

1

: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science

2

: social methods (such as phishing) that are used to obtain personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly

The previously noted trend of switching from social engineering to hacking methods in attacks on organizations strengthened …

—San Fernando Valley (California) Business Journal

social engineer noun

plural social engineers

Examples of social engineering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cyber criminals can use this data to impersonate you for malicious purposes, including identity theft, social engineering or even phishing attacks. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

Offshore balancing would alleviate this problem by eschewing social engineering and minimizing the United States’ military footprint. —John Mearsheimer, Foreign Affairs, 13 June 2016

The health system is strengthening its efforts to prevent social engineering among employees, Masson said, noting that workers are getting additional education and training on password security. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 22 July 2024

Phishing attacks will be more powerful, as will social engineering that allows attackers the ability to break into accounts. —Tina Reed, Axios, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

social engineering

noun

1

: management of human beings in accordance with their place and function in society : applied social science

2

: social methods (such as phishing) that are used to obtain personal or confidential information which can then be used illicitly