Aim of the Module
To help students recognize manipulation tactics, pause before acting, and choose safer responses when someone uses pressure, urgency, or false trust.
Social Engineering
Social engineering is when someone uses pressure, tricks, or false trust to get information or access. This module helps educators teach students how to spot manipulation and respond safely.
Learning Objectives
- Explain how manipulation can happen online and in person.
- Identify common tactics like urgency, flattery, or authority.
- Practice safe responses and help-seeking behavior.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize pressure tactics used in messages or chats.
- Use a pause-and-check routine before acting.
- Know when and how to report suspicious behavior.
Module Content
Part 1
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What Is Social Engineering?
Goal: Help students understand what social engineering is by first recognising how people can be influenced or manipulated in everyday situations, and then connecting this understanding to digital environments and attacker behaviour.
What Is Social Engineering?
Goal: Help students understand what social engineering is by first recognising how people can be influenced or manipulated in everyday situations, and then connecting this understanding to digital environments and attacker behaviour.
Download all the materials for this part of the module.
DownloadWhat’s Included
Materials
Featured Video
What Is Social Engineering?
Use this video to spark discussion about online spaces students already use, from learning platforms to games and messaging apps. Pause for quick reflections on where students spend time online.
Part 2
Why Is Social Engineering Used by Attackers?
Goal: Help students understand why attackers use social engineering by exploring the psychological and emotional levers that make people vulnerable, and practising how to think critically when they feel pressure.
Why Is Social Engineering Used by Attackers?
Goal: Help students understand why attackers use social engineering by exploring the psychological and emotional levers that make people vulnerable, and practising how to think critically when they feel pressure.
Part 3
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Recognising Social Engineering in Everyday Contexts
Goal: Help students recognise social engineering attempts by identifying common warning signs and understanding the different contexts in which these attacks may occur, both online and offline.
Recognising Social Engineering in Everyday Contexts
Goal: Help students recognise social engineering attempts by identifying common warning signs and understanding the different contexts in which these attacks may occur, both online and offline.
Download all the materials for this part of the module.
DownloadWhat’s Included
Materials
Featured Video
Types of Social Engineering
Use this video to spark discussion about online spaces students already use, from learning platforms to games and messaging apps. Pause for quick reflections on where students spend time online.
Part 4
Protecting Yourself and Others From Social Engineering
Goal: Help students practise verifying information and choosing safe responses, and empower them to support others when they encounter social engineering attempts.
Protecting Yourself and Others From Social Engineering
Goal: Help students practise verifying information and choosing safe responses, and empower them to support others when they encounter social engineering attempts.
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