Why Network Security Matters: Protecting Systems in a Digital World
When we think about the safe use of
a computer or the Internet, it may seem easy to assume that our interest should
be focused on strengthening the system to avoid any virus or malware, but in
the world of cybersecurity, the weakest link is often not the system, but the
human using it. Social
engineering is based on deception to gain the user's trust and thus obtain the
access or information necessary to commit acts known as phishing. This paper
explains how computer systems are vulnerable to social engineering and
phishing, the types of damage these attacks can cause, and strategies
individuals and organizations can use to protect themselves.
Social
Engineering
According to CertMaster Learn Tech+
by TestOut Corp (2024), social engineering is defined as “an activity where the
goal is to use deception and trickery to convince unsuspecting users to provide
sensitive data or to violate security guidelines.” This means that even with
top-tier antivirus software or firewalls in place, we’re still vulnerable. As Kolinko
et al. (2024) explain, “the rapid development of virtual reality, digital
space, and neural networks … reliable antivirus programs and the powerful work
of firewalls could not provide a reliable protection and filter all potentially
threatening and harmful content” (p. 16). This highlights that social
engineering relies on manipulation, not necessarily hacking tools, which makes
the threat harder to predict or detect. These attackers often target users who
lack awareness or proper training, tricking them into giving up information or
access.
The damage caused by social
engineering can vary widely. Attackers might gain unauthorized access to online
accounts, or even physical locations, by using stolen personal information like
addresses or phone numbers. They might leak, sell, or misuse this data, leading
to identity theft, financial loss, system compromise, or even personal safety
risks.
So, how can we protect ourselves?
The answer starts with knowledge. In the workplace, regular training should be
provided to help employees recognize and report suspicious activity. Outside of
work, many platforms now offer educational tools. Social media sites share
warnings or videos, and YouTube has tutorials dedicated to raising awareness.
On a personal level, setting up strict access controls, such as two-factor
authentication or identity verification methods, is one of the best ways to
prevent unauthorized access.
Phishing
One of the most well-known cyber
engineering attacks is phishing. Phishing is carried out by cybercriminals who
attempt to mislead users into confusing situations in order to acquire
sensitive data like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other
personal data, at the most vulnerable point. The method of communication for
these attacks varies. They can be used through emails, fake websites, or text
messages posing as legitimate companies, and they can even go so far as to
impersonate real people or employees to make it difficult to verify their
identities. The main goal of these individuals is to create false emergency
situations to pressure their victims into acting without thinking and obeying
their instructions.
As with cyber engineering, detecting
phishing vulnerabilities in a system starts with identifying weak points in
human behavior and system controls. Many users may not recognize fake login
pages or suspicious email attachments. A lack of awareness or poor
cybersecurity training can leave individuals and organizations exposed. The
consequences or damages of phishing, as I mentioned previously, are unauthorized
access to accounts, financial losses and personal security risks.
According to a 2024 article by
TechRadar Pro, phishing and identity fraud have grown into a billion-dollar
criminal industry. U.S. consumers alone lost $12.5 billion to identity-related
fraud in one year. The article explains how phishing attacks have evolved, with
criminals now using AI, deep fake technology, and “Fraud-as-a-Service”
platforms to carry out large-scale operations.
Conclusion
After learning more about social
engineering and phishing, it’s clear that the biggest weakness in cybersecurity
isn’t always the system, often times it is the person using it. These types of
attacks don’t need complicated code or hacking tools; they rely on tricking
people through trust and urgency. The damage they can cause is serious, from
stolen personal information and financial loss to bigger system breaches. The
article from TechRadar Pro really opened my eyes to how large-scale and
advanced these attacks have become, especially with criminals using AI and fake
identities to make their scams even more believable. The most important thing
we can do to protect ourselves is to stay informed and cautious. Whether it’s
through workplace training or just being more aware online, a little knowledge
can go a long way. Technology helps, but at the end of the day, it's up to us
to recognize the signs and take steps to stay safe.
Sources
TestOut
Corp. (2024). CertMaster
Learn Tech+. http://www.testout.com
Kolinko,
M., Petryshyn, H., & Chumak, H. (2024). Reactualising the problem of social
engineering and digital security. Skhid, 6(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.21847/2411-3093.2024.611
TechRadar
Pro. (2025, July 8). Inside the billion‑dollar identity fraud ecosystem.
TechRadar Pro. Retrieved July 11, 2025, from https://www.techradar.com/pro/inside-the-billion-dollar-identity-fraud-ecosystem
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