What is a characteristic feature of social engineering techniques?

The characteristic feature of social engineering techniques is that they exploit human psychology and trust. These techniques are grounded in the understanding of human behavior, where attackers manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. By appealing to individuals' emotions, beliefs, or trust, social engineers can bypass technical security measures without the need for advanced hacking skills.

This approach includes tactics such as impersonating authority figures, creating a sense of urgency, or invoking fear or curiosity, all aimed at influencing victims' decisions. Since social engineering targets the human element rather than relying on technical methods, it highlights the importance of awareness and training in recognizing and resisting such manipulations.