Cybersecurity threats are evolving, and one of the most effective attack methods today is social
engineering. Hackers exploit human vulnerabilities to manipulate individuals into disclosing
sensitive information or taking risky actions. At GLADiiUM Technology, we recognize that
strengthening your organization’s human firewall is just as crucial as investing in technical
defenses.
Real-time coaching, like SecurityCoach by KnowBe4, provides instant security awareness training
based on user actions, reinforcing best practices in the moment. Here are seven common
social engineering threats and how real-time coaching can help mitigate them:
1. Downloading Potentially Malicious Attachments
Attackers often use emails to trick users into downloading harmful files like .EXE, .DOC, or
.HTML. While security tools block most high-risk downloads, real-time coaching educates users
instantly about the risks, reducing future mistakes.
2. Clicking on Malicious Links
Phishing attacks disguise fraudulent URLs as legitimate ones. Security alerts can block these
links, but real-time coaching helps users develop habits like hovering over links to verify
authenticity before clicking.
3. Accessing Restricted or Inappropriate Content
Organizations enforce content filtering to prevent access to harmful or inappropriate sites. Real
time coaching reinforces company policies, reminding employees why certain sites are blocked
and how accessing them can pose security risks.
4. Installing Unauthorized Software
Employees may unknowingly install unapproved applications, increasing the risk of malware
infections. Real-time coaching educates them on why unauthorized software is dangerous and
promotes best practices for safe installations.
5. Establishing Unauthorized Outbound Connections
Some cyber threats involve redirecting network traffic to malicious locations. When security
systems detect unauthorized connections, real-time coaching alerts users and reinforces the
importance of safe browsing habits.
6. Attempting Unauthorized Logins
Unusual login attempts across different computers can indicate potential security breaches.
Real-time coaching educates users on secure authentication practices and prevents risky login
behavior.
7. Circumventing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is a crucial defense against cyber threats, but some users attempt to bypass it. Real-time
coaching reminds employees why MFA is essential and reinforces secure login procedures.
Building a Stronger Security Culture
Real-time coaching offers several benefits, including:
- Reinforcing existing security awareness training.
- Identifying risky behavior trends over time.
- Reducing human-related security risks.
- Enhancing the value of existing security tools through seamless integration.
By integrating real-time coaching into your security strategy, your organization can stay ahead
of social engineering threats and build a more resilient cybersecurity culture. Contact
GLADiiUM Technology today to learn how we can help strengthen your human firewall.