Cybercriminals often bypass complex security systems by manipulating people directly, which makes social engineering one of the most persistent threats facing organizations today. This article answers “what is a social engineering attack” by breaking down the core concept, the techniques attackers use, and the damage these incidents can cause across business operations. It explores phishing emails, fake support calls, credential theft schemes, and impersonation tactics designed to exploit trust, urgency, and fear. The article also outlines practical prevention strategies, including employee training, access controls, and verification processes that reduce human error. Created for the International Security Journal, this content helps security professionals and business leaders understand how social engineering attacks work and what steps are needed to defend against them more effectively.