Social engineering is a manipulation technique that exploits human psychology to gain confidential information or access to systems. Instead of using technical hacking methods, social engineers often rely on deception, tricking individuals into revealing sensitive data, such as passwords or personal identification numbers. This can occur through various means, including phishing emails, phone calls, or in-person interactions. Common tactics used in social engineering include impersonating trusted figures, creating a sense of urgency, or appealing to emotions. For example, a social engineer might pose as a bank representative to convince a victim to share their account details. Awareness and education are crucial in preventing these types of attacks.