Social engineering can be the most dangerous and effective type of hacking because the human component is notoriously the weakest link in the security chain. This Social Engineering Cookbook encompasses a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that focuses on psychological manipulation of people to gain confidential information and to protect yourself from such attacks. 

In this book, you will learn how to anticipate the moves of social engineers, what tools they use, and how they use the art of deception for personal gain. You will master information gathering with search engines and specialized tools, learn to analyze email trails, and understand the execution of various social engineering attacks. Advanced techniques like micro-expression reading and NLP are explored, alongside real-world case studies to illustrate potential risks. Finally, it examines emerging trends like AI manipulation and ethical applications of these techniques.

By mastering the recipes and techniques outlined in this Social Engineering Cookbook, readers will be empowered to recognize, defend against, and ethically utilize social engineering tactics, transforming them into vigilant defenders in their personal and professional lives. By the end of this book, you will learn how to hack the human mind and protect yourself from manipulation.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
● Define social engineering, analyze psychology, identify vulnerabilities, conduct OSINT, and execute advanced techniques.
● Master OSINT tools, email analysis, digital footprinting, and understand attack execution.
● Explore pretexting, NLP, mitigate online threats, and grasp legal implications.
● Implement security measures, analyze case studies, understand AI's impact, and ethical use.
● Utilize Maltego, HTTrack, analyze email headers, and apply emotional manipulation tactics.
● Conduct website footprinting, learn deepfake detection, and implement incident response.
● Automate data collection, master credential harvesting, and understand regulatory compliance.
● Explore micro-expressions, use SET, analyze social media OSINT, and counter biohacking.
● Implement multi-factor authentication, conduct penetration tests, and understand cyber warfare.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This Social Engineering Cookbook is for anyone seeking to understand social engineering, from beginners to experienced professionals like security personnel, ethical hackers, and penetration testers, as well as individuals aiming to enhance their security awareness.

1. Social Engineering Explained
2. The Psychology of Social Engineering
3. Advanced Information Gathering Techniques via Search Engines
4. Expanding OSINT Capabilities with Advanced Tools
5. Uncovering Email Trails and People Digital Footprinting
6. The Execution and Delivery of Social Engineering
7. Advanced and Cutting-Edge Techniques of Social Engineering
8. Case Studies and Lessons Learned
9. Digital and Online Aspects of Social Engineering
10. Organizational and Business Implications of Social Engineering
11. Legal and Regulatory Landscape of Social Engineering
12. Future and Emerging Trends of Social Engineering
13. Positive and Ethical Applications of Social Engineering

Founder and CEO at Ducara, Manish Sharma is a young entrepreneur with a vision of exploring the self through every aspect of life. His professional journey started with his keen interest in the cybersecurity domain. He contributed his work in R&D with his research paper, Social Engineering: A Partial Technical Attack, getting published in IJCSI International Journal of Computer Science Issues. He is a public speaker and IEEE Member as a Security Researcher. He earned renowned certifications like C|EH, C|HFI, E|CSA, L|PT at the beginning of his career.

Manish started capturing market attention while he worked as a trainer for major corporates and government clients across the globe. Training helped him notice the lack of true consulting services in the market. So, to provide a better consultation experience, he took a significant initiative for assisting clients in VAPT audits, Governance Risk & Compliance consulting services. Under his mentorship and direction, he built a team of visionaries and changed traditional reporting, from boring Excel sheets to full-fledged detailed audit reports. He believes in making the world a better place by improving the self and giving everyone the utmost.

Within a few years, Manish explored Product solutions in the domain. Hence, his company soon tied knots with renowned market leaders, like Microsoft, DigiCert, IBM, Paessler, LogRhythm, Hitachi, Acunetix, and many more.

He enjoys being a businessman, and loves spiritual exploration.