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Social engineering, a growing threat in Panama, this research highlights the increasing prevalence of social engineering attacks in Panama. These attacks, which manipulate people into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security, represent a significant threat to both individuals and organisations.
By exploiting the psychological aspects of human behaviour, it has become one of the main cyber threats worldwide. In Panama, these attacks have triggered a significant increase in cybercrime, causing economic losses and reputational damage. The tactics employed, such as phishing, smishing and pretexting, exploit vulnerabilities arising from a lack of cybersecurity awareness. To effectively combat this threat, a comprehensive approach is required, combining public education and awareness, the development of strong cybersecurity legislation, investment in advanced technologies and tools, and international cooperation.
The role of government is critical in establishing a dedicated cybersecurity agency, promoting research and fostering public-private partnerships. Only through a multifaceted strategy can we mitigate the risks associated with social engineering and effectively protect Panamanian cyberspace, and we propose a definition of social engineering as ‘the study of human psychology to manipulate people and obtain confidential information by exploiting their trust and naivety through technological means’.