How does social engineering threaten organizational privacy?

• A. By increasing the speed of data processing
• B. By manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information
• C. By ensuring compliance with data protection regulations
• D. By improving user access controls

Answer: (B)

Social engineering poses a significant threat to organizational privacy primarily by manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information. This tactic exploits human psychology rather than technical vulnerabilities, making it particularly effective. Attackers often use deception, creating scenarios where individuals feel compelled to share sensitive data, such as passwords, financial information, or personal identification details.

When employees are tricked into disclosing this type of information, it compromises the organization's data security and privacy. The information gathered through social engineering can be used to gain unauthorized access to systems, conduct identity theft, or perpetrate fraud, ultimately leading to significant financial and reputational damage to the organization. Therefore, understanding and recognizing social engineering tactics is critical for safeguarding an organization’s private data.

The other options do not address the core nature of how social engineering works or the specific privacy threats it creates. For instance, increasing the speed of data processing or improving user access controls does not relate to the manipulative tactics used in social engineering. Similarly, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations does not directly correlate with the deceptive methods employed by social engineers to access confidential information.