Social Engineering in Social Media Networks and Its Impact on Digital and Societal Security in the Sultanate of Oman: An Exploratory Study

Social engineering within social media networks presents a growing concern for public safety in the Sultanate of Oman. The risks associated with such attacks primarily arise from human vulnerabilities rather than technical failures. Consequently, this research conducted an in-depth examination of the ramifications of social engineering and the responses of Omani society to these threats, revealing their significant implications at the national level. Social engineering poses a substantial risk to public security by exploiting users into disclosing sensitive information, thereby necessitating enhanced security protocols to protect personal identities and financial assets. Utilizing a descriptive analytical approach, the study administered a questionnaire to a sampled population, comprising five sections related to demographic profiles, awareness of social engineering, its social and psychological impacts, proficiency in countering such schemes, and the various forms of social engineering attacks. The findings highlighted disparities in Omani societal attitudes towards social engineering, evident across gender, age, educational attainment, and occupational categories. This underscores the need to develop tailored security strategies that account for these variations to enhance protective measures. The study advocates for increasing digital literacy among Omani citizens and developing skills to combat social engineering tactics. These recommendations should form essential components of a cohesive national strategy aimed at strengthening digital security. Moreover, the research emphasizes the importance of exploring technological solutions to address social engineering challenges and enhance digital literacy. It stresses the necessity of collaborative efforts across sectors to cultivate a secure digital environment in the Sultanate of Oman, while highlighting the importance of continuous improvement and the implementation of comprehensive strategies to effectively counter social engineering threats.