Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Practice Exam

Implementing awareness training and strict access controls is an effective way to mitigate social engineering attacks because these strategies directly address the human and procedural vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.

Awareness training educates employees about the tactics used in social engineering, which often relies on manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or granting unauthorized access. By enhancing employees' knowledge and recognition of potential social engineering scenarios, organizations can reduce the likelihood of successful attacks. Training can include identifying phishing emails, recognizing suspicious behavior, and understanding the importance of safeguarding personal and organizational information.

Moreover, strict access controls ensure that even if a social engineering attack is attempted, the attacker cannot gain easy access to sensitive data or systems. These controls can include the principle of least privilege, where users are given only the access necessary for their roles, and two-factor authentication, which adds an additional layer of security.

In combination, these measures create a stronger defense against social engineering by not only securing systems but also empowering employees to resist manipulation, ultimately reducing the risk of breaches that exploit human weaknesses.