What is meant by "social engineering"?

Social engineering is a term used to describe the psychological manipulation of people into performing actions or divulging confidential information that can be used for fraudulent purposes. This can involve tactics like phishing, where attackers might impersonate a trusted entity to trick individuals into providing sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank account details.

In this context, the correct answer emphasizes the deceptive methods used to exploit human psychology rather than focusing solely on technical security measures. Understanding social engineering is crucial for cybersecurity awareness, as it underscores the importance of caution when sharing personal information and recognizing potential manipulation tactics employed by malicious actors.