IT Security/ Social Engineering

Essay by 2thehardwayUniversity, Bachelor'sB+, May 2011

download word file, 3 pages 0.0

Social engineering is the most powerful tool in a company's IT security strategy. As youths we have been taught what is right and wrong. Within America we have been groomed to believe in personal property and the protection of that property. As American owned companies cross borders and societies with technology, they will have to understand each society and moral boundaries. Some of the tools are as simple as the use of Terms Of Service, Copy Right symbols or Trademark notification. The challenge with admonition strategy is not an easy fix for international companies but is lower cost compared to the more complex security structure. I personally view this in as placing a lock on a screen door. It simply keeps honest people honest.

Admonition as an IT security measure can be viewed in two distinct ways. As a social method in which to get individuals or groups to behave in a pre-described manner based on social behavior or with software systems that simply ask a question.

Overall it is a relative low cost measure in comparison to security techniques being currently deployed.

Admonition can be a natural way to progress to deterrence as these systems are generally organized in levels of repercussion or consequence. The levels are dependent upon the ability of the organization to enforce rules or laws; however the basic and most cost effective would be admonition through Social Engineering. One definition of Social Engineering is "the art and science of getting people to comply too your wishes" (Sarah Granger, 2001). While Dictonary.com (2008) says its the application of the findings of social science to the solution of actual social problems.

Social engineering is used everyday in how we interact or comply with requests made upon an individual or group. In relation to IT systems security it...