what is social engineering? and its use?

Social engineering is a tactic used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that may compromise security. This can include tactics such as phishing emails, pretexting, and baiting.

The goal of social engineering is to exploit human psychology and emotions to gain access to sensitive information, such as passwords, financial data, or personal information. This information can then be used for malicious purposes, such as identity theft, fraud, or gaining unauthorized access to systems or networks.

Social engineering is often used in conjunction with other cyber attacks, such as malware or phishing scams, to increase the likelihood of success. It is a common tactic used by hackers and cybercriminals to bypass technical security measures and target individuals who may be less aware of cybersecurity risks.