Unmasking the Social Engineer: The Human Element of Security by Christopher Hadnagy

Unmasking the Social Engineer: The Human Element of Security Reviews

• 
  Joe

  This was a very interesting book on the tools con artists can use to manipulate people in to letting them in to their premises, workplace or in to giving information out over the phone.
  
  The writer builds on the extensive work of Paul Eckman, one of the worlds leading experts in body language, facial expressions, micro expressions, hand gestures and eyebrow movements.
  
  The book is useful to both understand the techniques used by scam artists and could also be useful in personal and business settings in order to ensure your body language is consistent with your intended message.
  
  I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in human interaction.
• 
  Taha

  BULLSHIT
• 
  John

  Be Aware: This is not a good choice to do as an Audiobook
  I would rate this: 3.8/5 - when audiobook issues are taken out of the equation.
  
  Okay, that's out of the way. Overall, the information seems to be good and well researched. It is very much a textbook study in the non-verbal modes of expression people use and how those modes can be used by a social engineer to both read and influence others.
  
  The biggest hurdle - and why it's not a candidate for Audiobook - is that several examples given directly reference images that are inaccessible for the listener. I think the points are valid, but I was not in a position to get a copy of the original text and reference the images while driving/reading.
  
  I do appreciate the consistent references to further research and articles that would give more explanation and a deeper understanding of topics of interest.
• 
  Christopher

  Pretty solid, if disorganized, intro and summary of primarily 75 years of study into human behavior in manipulating others for personal, corporate, and criminal goals. Mostly basic knowledge for experienced investigators, security specialists, and psychologists, but as with most books on the topic, the personal real-life examples of the author are very helpful in putting things into perspective. Avoid the audio format and stick with print for a myriad of reasons, but especially for access to the illustrations.
• 
  Zy Marquiez

  "You see, but you do not observe. The distinction is clear”
  – Sherlock Holmes
  
  The Social Engineering topic is a subject that’s as fascinating as its concerning.
  
  Social Engineering is a tool that is used to influence individuals/people to take specific actions. These actions could be positive or negative depending on the intent of the social engineer.
  
  This topic came of extreme interest to me after reading the book Tavistock Institute – Social Engineering The Masses by Daniel Estulin. In that particular book, the author deals with Social Engineering, but at a large scale where it is the goals of institutions to influence cultures/nation states et al, and not in a positive way one might add.
  
  Unmasking The Social Engineer – The Human Element Of Security by Christopher Hadnagy deals with Social Engineering at an individual level, which is greatly appreciated since nigh nobody touches this topic, but its adverse effects are innumerable.
  
  In this particular book the author does an exemplary job of outlining many of the instances and subtle, or no so subtle idiosyncracies that will end up influencing how people feel, one way or another. If a particular individual is savvy enough, these behaviours will help that individual become a better communicator, and possibly a better person.
  
  On the flip side of that, this particular skillset can also be used for detrimental purposes. This is why the author notes that its vital for people not only to know how emotions couple with social engineering techniques, but how one can use them for positive and defensive circumstances.
  
  Many people feel a bit recent about there being a book such as this on how to influence people, and rightly so. The author tackles that concern rather trenchantly:
  
  “We can’t defend properly without knowing how to attack. If the first time you get punched is your first real fight, it will most likely end badly for you. That is why people take lessons in how to fight and defend themselves.”[1]
  
  Hadnagy makes it a point of making sure the reader understands that the techniques employed in the book are vital to becoming a better communicator, but more importantly, a better listener, which will inherently increase the quality of life.
  
  Unmasking The Social Engineer is a veritable crashcourse into a kaleidoscope of abilities that are the disposal of people if they realize the effects that can be expected from individuals. Many of these effects take place through what’s known as amygdala hijacking.
  
  In respect to that, as the author concerningly notes:
  
  “When the emotional processor [the amygdala] kicks into high gear, the logic center processors [neocortex] get almost turned off and blocked. Adrenaline, hormone levels, and blood pressure rise, and our memories become less efficient. We begin to lose our ability to communicate effectively, and we turn to a form of autopilot to make decisions.”[2][Bold Emphasis Added]
  
  To add additional grist for the mill, Hadnagy further notes:
  
  “Our brains are hardwired to mirror the emotional content we see from those around us, so it is logical to say that if the social engineer can show mild sadness signs, those signs will trigger empathy in the person they are dealing with. Once empathy is triggered, and if those social engineer’s words and story create an emotional bond with those words, then the rational and logic centers in the brain shut down momentarily. This leaves the full processing power of our brain focused on the emotional center, so as a decision is being made based on the request, what is reasonable goes out the window.”[3] [Bold Emphasis Added]
  
  Those facts, along with other salient points, are a large reason of why individuals need to be cognizant when their emotions might be subject to be played like a fiddle.
  
  Another great aspect of this book is that Hadnagy references the work of Dr. Paul Eckman, who has been at the tip of the spear in the area of emotional behaviour and individual idiosyncracies. Two books that couple well to this book are, Emotions Revealed, and Unmasking The Face. While these books obviously do not need to be read in order to understand Unmasking The Social Engineer, but they offer extreme depth in this abstruse subject for those interested in delving deeper into this intriguing pool of psychological/physiological data.
  
  The book showcases various components of an individual’s behavior repertoire, and synthesizes it all in an easy to understand matter that’s very pragmatic.
  
  Taking into account the totality and depth of this book, this should not only be compulsory reading for those interested in the intricacies of social engineering, but should be something that everyone should make a point to learn given the vital aspects it plays within safety and communications.
  
  __________________________________________________​
  Sources:
  
  [1] by Christopher Hadnagy, Unmasking The Social Engineer – The Human Element Of Security by Christopher Hadnagy, pg. 204.
  [2] Ibid., pg. 166.
  [3] Ibid., pg. 173.
  
  __________________________________________________​
  Other Suggested Reading:
  
  Thinking, Fast & Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  Mass Control – Engineering Human Consciousness by Jim Keith
  Emotions Revealed by Dr. Paul Ekman
  Unmasking The Face by Dr. Paul Ekman and Friesen
  Snap – Making The Most Of First Impressions, Body Language & Charisma by Patti Wood
• 
  Shmuel Shoop

  Really takes a deep dive into microexpressions this is the kind of book you read over and over.
• 
  Brian

  This is an excellent introduction to interpreting body language. Ill definitely be following up with the additional resources provided inside.
• 
  Mandy

  Easy to read, informative, entertaining
• 
  Amy

  This was an expensive book-- even for a Kindle ebook-- and I found it quite short! Not that it wasn't worth the money, just that the price communicated something to me that I didn't get when I ending up reading the book. However, I still think it is a good resource, if a bit thin. The photographs are well done and will help with using the book as a practical training manual.
  
  This book focuses on some verbal, but mostly nonverbal communication indicators, how to read them, and a little on how to use them and what they mean for the social engineer, with some practical examples. All of this was good and interesting information, but I have to wonder if there is more there.
  
  Also, reading the bios of people who helped with the book, but only had a few mentions-- well, the "Truth Wizard" who was referenced from the US Secret Service, from his vast experience, could have been quoted more, I think. I think the book would have benefitted more from his expertise in PSYOPS and investigations with more anecdotes, stories, and patterns he has noticed in his career. It seemed he was an underutilized resource.
  
  It's worth noting, and the book says this as well, that there are some signals discussed that have a more Western and American cultural focus, when it comes to body language. That's something to keep in mind when reading it. More than that, there was some effort made to talk about differences between male and female nonverbal communication, but I felt that it could have been improved even more.
  
  While the book mentions the "bad guy" social engineers and how knowing about their tactics will help in avoiding being a target, I wish there was more practical advice on how to notice when someone truly is making an approach (or, if there isn't, to have that said outright). I've read other books, however, that identify patterns in approaches and styles that help in this department.
• 
  Dale

  This book is by Christopher Hadnagy. It isn't by Paul Ekman, and it isn't by Paul F. Kelly, though they may have had some editing roles.
  
  This book is like the tl;dr version of Ekman's book, Telling Lies. There's something good to be said about the easy access of the information, while with Ekman, you can get lost in the scientific study of what he's doing, but if you've worked your way through that, you will know everything Hadnagy says before he says it.
  
  There isn't much in this book about social engineering, or maybe being able to read and mimic emotions is just too straight of a shot from social engineering that it's not that interesting to hear about.
  
  I go back and forth between whether the photo illustrations in this book are good or bad. Like any book that explains human expressions, you can expect to see a lot of photos, but these are almost caricatures of the emotions. On one hand, they make it easy to point out the different physical signs of emotions, but on the other, you will never see them in the real world to the degree that they are displaying them. Also, you don't get the impression that the actors are actually feeling the emotions, and that can be a bit disconcerting.
• 
  Ahmed Sultan

  easily accessible information , no complicated scientific stuff
  expected more about social engineering but was focusing a lot about face expressions , the thing which was discussed thousand time ago and almost covered in "what everybody is saying" and "I know what you re thinking"
  but still very good reference for those who are looking for good introduction in facial expressions and general idea about social engineering skills
• 
  Fredrik

  An interesting look at how social engineers hack human interactions to use or even bend others to their will - and how to these hacks can both help you unmask social engineers and make you a better communicator.
  
  To learn its lessons, you must study it. Or at least use it as a pathway to later study of macro- and microexpressions. Else, its benefits are shallow.
• 
  Lee

  This was a great read. A lot of it was a review if you've taken his SE class. I really enjoyed Ch 8 the most and will never look at other people's eye brows the same again. This would be a great read for anyone interested in communicating better with friends/family/others or being better equipped to deal with con artists.
• 
  Ando

  A nice introduction to the way of thinking of a social engineer. Makes the reader aware that such people and attacks do exist and gives pointers on what to look for: how to recognize when something is not right. This book is a bit heavy on the technical details.
• 
  Chris Mann

  Reads largely as a testimony to Dr. Ekman. Good, though relatively simplistic coverage of non-verbals; lacking elsewhere.
• 
  Ayoub

  The second worst book of the year
• 
  Delta

  If you haven't read Human Hacking, then I believe this will be of interest. If you have, then this book is going to feel very repetitive.
• 
  Dmitri

  Very good book.
• 
  XO

  Who doesnt love the legendary human lie detector Paul Ekman? I was beyond fascinated when i first discovered him in the TV show "Lie to me". My fascination soon turned into addiction when i looked him up in google and read a couple of his books; emotional revealed, telling lies, and why kids lie. but after reading this book i realize why i did not enjoy this book at all..
  The book wasnt written by him. Edited. Not written!
  it just failed miserably for me i found it mind numbing. Easy accessible informations and no challenge in any theory.
  I guess he was right when he said some will be disappointed in this book. Simply because It lacked that Ekman flavor "if that makes sense".
  I will re-read it again. Maybe with less expectations I can find it.. enjoyable..?
  but for now.. i will stick with this short, disappointed review.