Year 9 - Computing
Social engineering
Introduction to cybersecurity
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit takes pupils on a journey of discovery about techniques used by cybercriminals to steal data, disrupt systems and infiltrate networks. They will consider the value of data to organisations and what it is used for. They will look at social engineering techniques and common cybercrimes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe how social engineering is used to steal data and the steps that can be taken to stop it.
Key Notes
- Human error can be a risk to data security.
- Social engineering methods trick people into sharing information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
- Name generator attacks, phishing and blagging are all social engineering methods.
- Social engineering attacks can be reduced through educating users of technology.
Vocabulary To Learn
- social engineering: techniques used to trick users into giving away personal information by manipulating their behaviour or emotions
- name generator attacks: a method of collecting personal data by asking questions under the guise of generating a fun name
- phishing: a scam conducted by sending fraudulent emails disguised as communication from reputable companies that ask the receiver to reveal personal information
- blagging: creating a story to trick someone into giving away their information or money
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Social engineering involves technical skills and knowledge of computing concepts in order to carry out an attack.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Describe the system or process from this lesson in clear steps.
Human error can be a risk to data security. Social engineering methods trick people into sharing information that can be used for fraudulent purposes.
2. Define this computing term and give one practical example. 'social engineering'
techniques used to trick users into giving away personal information by manipulating their behaviour or emotions. Add one real device or system example to prove understanding.
3. Correct this common computing misconception.
Mistake: Social engineering involves technical skills and knowledge of computing concepts in order to carry out an attack. Correction: Social engineering relies on manipulating a victim to steal their personal data. This is done by finding ways to trick the user in to handing over the data willingly.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 Computing guide library.