How can social engineering threaten web security?

Social engineering threatens web security primarily by manipulating individuals to divulge confidential information. This threat arises from the tactic of exploiting human psychology rather than directly attacking technical systems.

In a social engineering attack, an attacker might pose as a trusted figure or use deception to trick individuals into revealing sensitive data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or proprietary business information. This can occur through various means, including phishing emails, phone calls, or in-person interactions. By targeting the human element, attackers can bypass technical security measures that would typically protect the data, leading to significant security breaches.

While secure practices and encryption are essential for overall security, they do not directly relate to the nature of social engineering itself. Social engineering exploits human trust and behavior, making it a unique and dangerous threat vector in the realm of web security.