What's one way to avoid falling victim to social engineering?

Being suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal information is a key strategy in avoiding social engineering attacks. Social engineering relies heavily on deception, where attackers attempt to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that could compromise security. When someone receives an unexpected request for personal or sensitive information—whether through email, phone calls, or messages—maintaining a healthy skepticism is essential.

By being alert to these unsolicited approaches, individuals can take protective measures such as verifying the request through official channels before providing any information. This method not only helps to safeguard personal data but also reinforces overall security awareness, countering the tactics used by potential attackers.

The other options suggest actions that could inadvertently make someone more vulnerable. For example, being overly confident in online security can lead to complacency, which might encourage risky behavior. Similarly, sharing personal information even with known contacts can pose risks, especially if those contacts' accounts have been compromised. Lastly, responding quickly to service requests, especially without verifying their legitimacy, could lead one to act on malicious prompts. Being suspicious allows individuals to take a cautious and informed approach to potential threats.