Cyber criminals don’t always hack systems. More often, they hack people. That’s the reality behind social engineering attacks, and it’s why social engineering testing is now an essential component of any intelligent cyber security solution.
If you haven’t tested how your teams respond to deception, you’re not seeing the full picture. And if you’re relying on technology alone, you’re leaving the door wide open.
What is social engineering?
Social engineering is the use of psychological manipulation to trick people into giving up confidential information, clicking malicious links, or granting access to systems or spaces.
Attackers use tactics like:
- Phishing: Fake emails that look real
- Vishing: Voice calls designed to extract sensitive data
- Smishing: SMS messages that prompt action
- Impersonation: Pretending to be someone trusted
- Tailgating: Physically entering a workplace without authorisation
These aren’t technical breaches. They’re human ones. And they’re alarmingly effective. In fact, phishing is the leading cause of cyber breaches or attacks, responsible for 85% of incidents in businesses and 86% in charities, according to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025.
What is social engineering testing?
Social engineering testing is a tailored, consultative process that simulates real-world attacks to assess how your teams respond. It’s not about catching people out; it’s about learning, improving, and building resilience.
Think of it like a fire drill. You don’t wait for a real emergency to see how your team reacts. You simulate it, observe behaviour, and strengthen your defences.
What’s the difference between social engineering testing and penetration testing?
Social engineering penetration testing is a more targeted form of social engineering testing. It focuses on identifying and exploiting human vulnerabilities as part of a broader penetration test. While traditional penetration testing targets systems and networks, social engineering penetration testing targets people.
Both approaches are designed to:
- Reveal gaps in your human defences
- Provide actionable insights
- Strengthen your cyber security solution
Why it matters more than ever
AI-generated phishing emails, deepfake voice calls, and highly personalised scams are becoming harder to detect. And while your technology may be robust, your people are still the most likely entry point.
It was found that 60% of UK chief information security officers (CISOs) said human error was their top cyber security risk, according to Proofpoint’s 2025 Voice of the CISO Report.
Here’s why social engineering testing is critical:
- Technology can’t stop everything – firewalls don’t prevent someone from clicking a link
- Real behaviour beats assumptions – you learn how your teams respond
- Training becomes targeted – you focus on what matters, not generic awareness
- You build a culture of security – teams become more confident, alert, and proactive
What does a social engineering test look like?
Every organisation is different, so every test is tailored. But here’s what a typical social engineering penetration test might include:
- Phishing simulations: Realistic emails designed to test who clicks, who reports, and who ignores. You’ll see how convincing a fake message can be and how your teams respond under pressure.
- Phone-based social engineering: Calls that mimic attackers trying to gain access or information. Can someone talk their way past your front line?
- Physical access attempts: Can someone walk into your workplace without challenge? Tailgating, fake badges, and confident behaviour are all part of the test.
- Multi-channel attacks: Combining email, phone, and physical tactics to simulate a coordinated breach attempt. This gives you a full picture of your organisation’s readiness.
What you’ll learn
You’ll get clear, actionable insights that show:
- Where your team is strong
- Where they need support
- What tailored solutions will make the biggest impact
- How to improve your Cyber Security Solution immediately
You’ll also get advice on how to build long-term resilience, because social engineering isn’t going away.
What happens next?
Once you’ve got the results, it’s not about pointing fingers. It’s about building confidence. You’ll be able to:
- Deliver targeted training based on real behaviour
- Update policies and procedures to close gaps
- Strengthen your Cyber Security Solution with intelligent, scalable improvements
- Create a culture where security is second nature
Why start now?
Social engineering attacks are increasing. They’re more sophisticated, more personalised, and harder to detect. And they’re not just targeting IT teams; they’re targeting everyone.
If you’re serious about protecting your organisation, speak to one of our experts today and find out how social engineering testing and social engineering penetration testing can help you build a stronger, more resilient cyber security solution.
