The 21st century is known to be the age of the computer. Given the extensive use of computers as integral components of modern extend even to the world of commerce. Finances, banking, entire economies involve computers. The fundamental paradigm shift in the information technology era is the broadening of the application of computers even in the realm of business and resource management. This has even led to the rise of a new branch of business referred to as E-Commerce. This new field of modern commercial undertaking involves structures, processes and transactions that significantly use computers. This has become the new standard by which advanced economies are judged.

This new way of doing business, accessing resources and directing the movement of the same. This opened the doors to many opportunities. This also yields new ways for the unscrupulous to take advantage of others who are immersed in the same. The rise of new ways to conduct commercial undertakings has bred new ways of abusing this emerging system. A nefarious way of victimizing individuals who do business online is with the use of a potent set of mechanisms. There is an extensive human element involved in this new brand of profit acquisition. A viable means to take advantage of the same is to appeal to the user behind the computer. The many instances of computer fraud, identity theft and dubious money transfers attest to the veracity of the harm as well as the effectivity of the same.

Social engineering’s potency is significantly amplified due to its very nature. It empowers its wielder with the insight and knowledge of the workings of human nature. The array of methods that comprise this kind of manipulation is keen on attacking basic and essential facets of human thought, attitude and interaction. People going online seeking answers often repose their trust in those who present themselves as individuals willing to assist the former. When that trust is gained by appealing to the target individual then information may be siphoned from the same under the pretext of aid. In truth, the information will be used to benefit the person posing as a helpful individual.

In some other cases if information is not taken, then the individual who was swayed via social engineering is compelled to undertake certain actions under the assumption that this is to his or her own benefit. An example of this is when a sports fan is befriended an alleged sports fan on a forum. The latter entices the other to become a member of a specific website with stories of amazing benefits. In reality, the site is a pay site which has dubious and illusory benefits. Moreover, it benefits in secret the one who recommended it. By adding elements of interest, rapport building, and the like would disempower a user’s reason and make him or her vulnerable to the persuasions of those wielding social engineering. The subtle manipulation and the dangerous culture that encourages reckless trust in the internet opens individuals to being defrauded. This occurs through discreet but calculated means.