Welcome to Cybersecurity in 31 Days. I’m Malan Faya, your host. Today is Day 17. To view previous posts, click here.

Social engineering is the art of manipulating or tricking people into revealing personal or sensitive information such as bank details or passwords to those who are not authorized to access them.

Social engineers may pose as security technicians or officials at your bank and then ask you for your personal information, login information, or password. An encounter with a social engineer can be through email, telephone, or even in person.

If someone asks you to give them your personal information or access to your confidential information, don’t be afraid to say NO. Be direct and firm. Any suspicious person should be denied access until you are able to verify. Until you are able to verify, never release your personal or sensitive information, whether over the phone, through email, or physically.

Remember: If it’s really worries you, always verify first. t’s better late than never.