KnowBe4, the provider of the world’s largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, has announced today as the first established National Social Engineering Day, to be observed annually on August 6th. This new national day, officially recognised by the National Day Calendar, aims to educate individuals and organisations about the risks associated with social engineering tactics used in cyberattacks. The day coincides with the birthday of the late Kevin Mitnick, renowned hacker and former Chief Hacking Officer of KnowBe4. Mitnick, often referred to as the world’s most famous social engineer, played a significant role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape.
Cybercriminals leverage social engineering tactics in an estimated 98% of cyberattacks, averaging over $4.5 million in damages. They do so by manipulating individuals into inadvertently giving unauthorised access to sensitive business and personal information, which can lead to data breaches, financial losses and significant operational disruptions for both individuals and organisations. By dedicating a national day to this critical issue, KnowBe4 aims to equip people with the knowledge and skills needed to recognise and combat these increasingly sophisticated threats.
“The establishment of National Social Engineering Day serves as a crucial reminder that cybersecurity is not just about technology — it’s about people,” said Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4. “By founding National Social Engineering Day, we’re creating an annual reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and informed about the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. It’s a phishy social engineering ocean out there and we need to equip ourselves with the right technology and knowledge to navigate it safely. By educating ourselves and our teams, we can transform the human element from the weakest link to the strongest defence against cyberthreats.”
As part of this initiative, KnowBe4 will be providing resources and educational materials to help individuals and organisations understand and combat common social engineering threats. These efforts aim to strengthen the human element in cybersecurity, who serve as the last line of defence against cyberattacks.
