Social engineering is one of the most potent threats in today’s cyber security landscape. Unlike traditional cyber attacks that exploit software vulnerabilities, social engineering targets the most unpredictable element of any organisation’s defence: its people. This deceptive technique manipulates individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. There are multiple methods of social engineering that pose a risk to individuals and organisations…
Phishing
Attackers send fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from trusted sources, tricking recipients into revealing sensitive information like passwords or clicking malicious links.
Baiting
Attackers lure victims with a promise of something enticing, like free downloads or gifts, to trick them into exposing their systems to malware or other security risks.
Pretexting
When an attacker creates a fabricated story or identity to manipulate victims into divulging confidential information or granting access to secure systems.
Tailgating
Physical social engineering where an attacker gains unauthorised access to a secure area by following closely behind an authorised person.
Thousands of organisations across the UK trust us, here’s why…
CREST & CHECK Accredited
We are certified for both CREST and CHECK Green Light testing - an achievement not all testing companies can claim.
Clear and Concise Reports
We provide easy-to-understand reports with detailed findings and actionable recommendations.
CREST Infrastructure & App Testing
We are certified in both CREST Infrastructure and Application testing to the highest standards.
Specialised Testing Teams
Developer-trained testers deliver comprehensive app, API, and cloud testing for deeper, more effective results.
Experienced & Senior Consultants
Our team consists of highly experienced, senior consultants and penetration testers with over 15 years of expertise.
We Save You Time and Money
Clients consistently tell us that we deliver higher-quality testing in less time.
Outstanding Communication
We establish dedicated Teams or Slack channels to ensure seamless two-way communication between all.
Forward-Thinking Security
Our team goes beyond identifying vulnerabilities, offering proactive solutions to mitigate future risks.
Traditional Cyber Attacks vs Social Engineering
Traditional Cyber Attacks
Targets systems, networks, software & hardware.
Uses malware.
Exploits technology.
Leaves logs.
Needs technological defences.
Social Engineering
Targets people.
Uses deception.
Exploits psychology.
Mimics normal behaviour.
Needs human awareness.
Penetration Testing: Tackling Social Engineering Threats
Unmasking Deception: How Our Penetration Testing Process Tackles Social Engineering Threats
One of our CREST, CHECK, and Cyber Scheme certified consultants will work with you to define the scope of the engagement and ensure that our tests will fulfil your requirements.
Your assigned consultant will gather information on your organisation, including:
- IP addresses of websites and MX records
- Details of e-mail addresses
- Social networks
- People search
- Job search websites
This information will assist in identifying and exploiting any vulnerabilities or weaknesses.
Within the Threat Analysis stage we will identify a range of potential vulnerabilities within your target systems, which will typically involve a specialist engineer examining:
- Attack avenues, vectors, and threat agents
- Results from Research, Reconnaissance and Enumeration
- Technical system/network/application vulnerabilities
We will leverage automated tools and manual testing techniques at this stage.
Once we have identified vulnerabilities, we will attempt to exploit them in order to gain entry to the targeted system.
There are three phases to this stage:
- Exploit – use vulnerabilities to gain access to a system, e.g. inject commands into an application that provide control over the target.
- Escalate – attempt to use the exploited control over the target to increase access or escalate privileges to obtain further rights to the system, such as admin privileges.
- Advance – attempt to move from the target system across the infrastructure to find other vulnerable systems (lateral movement) potentially using escalated privileges from target systems and attempting to gain further escalated privileges and access to the network.
Your Penetration Test Report will detail any identified threats or vulnerabilities, as well as our recommended remedial actions. Threats and vulnerabilities will be ranked in order of importance.
The report will also contain an executive summary and attack narrative which will explain the technical risks in business terms. Where required, we can arrange for your CyberLab engineer to present the report to the key stakeholders within your organisation.
The report will provide information on remedial actions required to reduce the threats and vulnerabilities that have been identified.
At this stage, we can provide you with the additional consultancy, products, and services to further improve your security posture.
One of our CREST, CHECK, and Cyber Scheme certified consultants will work with you to define the scope of the engagement and ensure that our tests will fulfil your requirements.
Your assigned consultant will gather information on your organisation, including:
- IP addresses of websites and MX records
- Details of e-mail addresses
- Social networks
- People search
- Job search websites
This information will assist in identifying and exploiting any vulnerabilities or weaknesses.
Collaboratively administrate empowered markets via plug-and-play networks. Dynamically procrastinate B2C users after installed base benefits. Spectacular visualize customer directed convergence without revolutionary ROI.
Efficiently unleash cross-media information without cross-media value. Quickly maximize timely deliverables for real-time schemas. Spectacular maintain clicks-and-mortar solutions without functional solutions.
ISO 27001 is a globally recognised framework for managing information security risks. While penetration testing is not explicitly required, it plays a crucial role in meeting the standard’s risk assessment requirements by identifying weaknesses in systems and strengthening security controls.
Capitalize on low hanging fruit to identify a ballpark value added activity to beta test. Override the digital divide with additional clickthroughs from DevOps. Nanotechnology immersion along the information highway will close the loop on focusing solely on the bottom line.
Podcasting operational change management inside of workflows to establish a framework. Taking seamless key performance indicators offline to maximise the long tail. Keeping your eye on the ball while performing a deep dive on the start-up mentality to derive convergence on cross-platform integration.
Collaboratively administrate empowered markets via plug-and-play networks. Dynamically procrastinate B2C users after installed base benefits. Spectacular visualize customer directed convergence without revolutionary ROI.
Efficiently unleash cross-media information without cross-media value. Quickly maximize timely deliverables for real-time schemas. Spectacular maintain clicks-and-mortar solutions without functional solutions.
Social Engineering Case Study: Tailgating into a Client's Office
During a Red Team engagement, the team studied staff behaviour and entry protocols. Using this intel, a tester posed as an employee on a phone call and tailgated through a side entrance for Cycle to Work users.
When challenged by security, a quick flash of a fake pass and confident demeanour secured access. Inside, the tester shadowed an employee into a keycard lift, then discovered another lift that bypassed security barriers. Coordinating with a colleague, they used this route to reach the main lobby and then an office floor by joining employees in lifts and engaging in casual conversation. Once inside, they booked a meeting room as a base of operations.
This exercise proved how social engineering tactics – tailgating, confidence, and exploiting trust – can defeat strong physical security. The client was briefed on these vulnerabilities and advised on tightening protocols and staff awareness.
Tabletop Exercises
Turn incident response planning into a focused, hands‑on exercise.
Combine a posture assessment with phishing simulations, Live Hack demo, and a HackRisk.ai scan in an engaging tabletop session for your leadership team – followed by an executive‑ready report and action plan.
Not role‑play. Real data. Real insight.
Our Other Penetration Testing Services
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Next-Day Pen Test(24–48 hours):
For tight deadlines, due diligence, CE+,
ISO audits, and urgent risks.
External InfrastructurePen Test:
Uncover exploitable internet-facing
weaknesses.
Internal InfrastructurePen Test:
See what a malicious insider or
compromised device could access.
Web ApplicationPen Test:
OWASP-led exploitation for portals, customer apps, and internal systems.
Cloud & Microsoft 365Pen Test:
Uncover exploitable internet-facing weaknesses.
Operational Technology (OT)Penetration Testing:
Assessment of Operational Technology in manufacturing and CNI environments.
API Penetration Testing:
Modern threat-led assessment of API authentication, authorisation, and data flows.
Red Team and Simulated Attack:
Adversarial scenarios for mature security teams and regulated environments.
IT Health Check:
CHECK approved IT Health Check (ITHC) is a Penetration Test audited by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Penetration Testing Success Stories
We don’t just test technology. We test environments like yours, with domain-specific threat modelling and practical remediation.
Clinical systems, legacy infrastructure, patient portals, third-party suppliers.
“Having used CyberLab before in a previous Head of IT role, I had no hesitation in engaging them again to assist us with our security needs. Simply, I wouldn’t use them if they didn’t consistently deliver value.”
– Head of IT, NHS Trust
OT/IoT, production systems, cloud-connected machinery.
“CyberLab’s expertise in safeguarding our organisation against evolving cyber threats has been instrumental in protecting our reputation and maintaining our competitive edge. Their tailored solutions give us the confidence to focus on growth, innovation, and excellence.”
– Phil Ord, Managing Director, FMUK
Identity-heavy estates, ageing systems, safeguarding- sensitive data.
“CyberLab are always there to help. Being able to pick up the phone or email and have access to a dedicated account manager who is always there to assist provides excellent value for us. Not only when it comes to renewal but also throughout any period of the contract, CyberLab are able to support and provide guidance.”
- Simon Hobdell, Technical Team Leader, Buckinghamshire Council
Digital platforms, supply chain risks, customer data, payments compliance.
“Working with CyberLab has greatly enhanced our cyber security posture. Their proactive approach and tailored solutions have strengthened our defences, ensuring our customer data and operations remain secure. The 24/7 support and expert guidance from their team have been invaluable, allowing us to focus on serving our customers with confidence and peace of mind.”
– Tim Thompson, Operations Director, Sealey Group
Websites and applications, innovative solutions and customer data.
“CyberLab’s team thoroughly and efficiently supported us in bringing best practice to our security processes. With a consultative approach, they guided us to modify and improve our existing processes to make Delvify a more robust and more secure organisation.”
– Charles Allard, Founder of Delvify
Public services, critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
“We needed to find a way to meet very tight budget constraints. Of the suppliers we spoke to, only CyberLab demonstrated what we felt was a genuine desire to engage with us to reach a workable solution for both parties. I’d recommend CyberLab not just for their expertise in the whole cybersecurity area, but for their personalised and professional approach.”
- Mark Smith, Server Support Manager, Nottingham City Council
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