What does the term 'social engineering' refer to in cybersecurity?

The term 'social engineering' in cybersecurity specifically refers to the practice of manipulating individuals in order to extract confidential information. This can involve tricking someone into giving away personal data, such as passwords or bank account numbers, often through deceptive tactics. Cybercriminals may pose as trusted figures or entities to gain the target's trust, making it easier for them to acquire sensitive information without having to rely on technical hacking methods.

In the realm of cybersecurity, social engineering highlights the importance of human behavior in security protocols. Unlike purely technological threats, social engineering exploits the psychological aspect of human interactions, making it crucial for organizations to provide training and create awareness among employees to protect against such tactics.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what social engineering entails. For instance, organizing systems for efficiency, training employees on security protocols, and building firewalls focus more on structural and technical aspects of cybersecurity rather than the manipulation of individuals, which is central to social engineering.