Interactive Social Engineering Simulator for Strengthening the Human Firewall

Abstract

As cyberattacks become increasingly advanced, human mistakes remain one of the most commonly exploited points of failure. Social Engineering techniques such as Phishing, Vishing, Impersonation, and Baiting often circumvent technical safeguards by targeting human trust and decision-making. This paper introduces the concept and development of the Interactive Social Engineering Simulator for Strengthening the Human Firewall, a training platform designed to enhance user awareness through hands-on learning experiences. The simulator mimics realistic attack scenarios in a controlled environment to assess user behavior, uncover vulnerabilities and provide personalized training. By combining principles of Behavioral Psychology, Gamified Engagement, and Data-driven insights, the model aims to strengthen both individual and organizational defense against Social Engineering Threats. The system provides realistic attack scenarios such as Phishing, Smishing, Vishing, and Pretexting, allowing users to interact with simulated environments that mirror real-world cyber deception techniques. User actions are monitored and analysed to assess behavioural responses; immediate, contextual feedback is delivered to reinforce secure decision-making. A Human Firewall Index (HFI) is calculated to measure security awareness and improvement over time. By combining Adaptive learning, Behavioural Analysis, and Interactive Simulations, the proposed system effectively strengthens human defence mechanisms and reduces the risk of Social Engineering-based cyber incidents.