Social Engineering Awareness Course for Guards 2026
This course is for security guards, concierges and reception staff. Social engineering means tricking people into giving access or information. You will learn the common in-person, phone and online tricks, how to verify requests, how to protect site information and how to report an attempt.
Quick answer
This free course has about 15 minutes of lessons and a 25-question test. Score 80% or more to download a certificate of completion (private, not accredited). Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026.
What you will learn
- Explain what social engineering is and why guards are targets
- Spot tailgating, pretexting and other in-person tricks
- Recognize phishing, vishing, smishing and QR code scams
- Verify requests through a separate, trusted channel
- Protect site information and report attempts correctly
Score 80% or more to download your certificate.
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Question 1 of 25
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Answer: A. Tricking or pressuring people into giving access, information or money
Social engineering uses manipulation and deception to get people to compromise security.
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Question 2 of 25
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Answer: A. They control doors, keys, codes and visitor logs
Guards hold access and site knowledge that attackers want.
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Question 3 of 25
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Answer: C. Tailgating
Tailgating is following an authorized person through a secured door without using your own access.
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Question 4 of 25
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Answer: B. Piggybacking
When the authorized person knowingly lets someone in, it is often called piggybacking.
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Question 5 of 25
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Answer: D. Politely ask them to badge in or sign in before entering
Every person must use their own access or be signed in, even when they look busy.
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Question 6 of 25
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Answer: B. Check his ID and verify with the client contact using a number you already have
Pretexting uses made-up stories; verify through a separate, trusted channel, not details the visitor provides.
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Question 7 of 25
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Answer: C. Using a made-up story to build trust and get information or access
Pretexting is using a fabricated scenario to gain trust and extract information.
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Question 8 of 25
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Answer: B. Hand it to IT or your supervisor without plugging it in
A planted device is a baiting trick; plugging it in could infect the computer.
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Question 9 of 25
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Answer: C. Shoulder surfing, where they learn the code
Shoulder surfing means watching someone enter a code or password; shield the keypad.
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Question 10 of 25
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Answer: A. Refuse, hang up and call the alarm company on a known number
Never share codes by phone; verify through a separate, trusted channel.
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Question 11 of 25
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Answer: D. A scam using phone calls or voicemail
Vishing is voice phishing, sometimes with spoofed numbers or AI voice copies.
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Question 12 of 25
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Answer: D. A scam using text messages
Smishing is phishing by SMS or text message.
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Question 13 of 25
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Answer: A. Quishing, sending you to a fake payment site
Quishing uses QR codes that lead to malicious websites.
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Question 14 of 25
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Answer: A. Deny them and report it, because someone may have your password
Repeated prompts are an MFA fatigue attack; approving gives the attacker access.
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Question 15 of 25
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Answer: B. The sender's address is slightly different from the real one
Spoofed or mismatched sender details are a common warning sign.
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Question 16 of 25
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Answer: C. Hover over it to see where it really goes
Hovering shows the real web address so you can check the domain.
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Question 17 of 25
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Answer: A. Do not use the link; contact the bank through its known website or number
Banks do not send account links in unexpected messages; use a separate, trusted channel.
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Question 18 of 25
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Answer: C. Locked filing cabinets and restricted access to offices
PIPEDA Schedule 1 lists locked cabinets and restricted office access as physical measures.
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Question 19 of 25
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Answer: A. Patrol times and door codes
Patrol times and codes can help criminals plan; keep them private.
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Question 20 of 25
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Answer: A. One that shows access badges, keys or the site's layout
Photos of badges, keys or layouts can help attackers copy access or plan entry.
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Question 21 of 25
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Answer: D. Lock the screen or log out
A locked screen stops others from reading or using your session.
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Question 22 of 25
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Answer: B. Save it and report it without replying or calling the number
Do not reply to the sender; save the message and report it to your supervisor or IT.
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Question 23 of 25
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Answer: B. Tell your supervisor or IT right away and change the password
Fast reporting and a password change limit the damage.
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Question 24 of 25
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Answer: D. Local police first, then the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
The CAFC says victims should contact local police first, then report to the CAFC.
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Question 25 of 25
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Answer: D. When it creates a real risk of significant harm to someone
PIPEDA requires reporting of breaches that create a real risk of significant harm, plus notice to affected people.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- Social engineering uses manipulation and deception to pressure or trick people into actions that harm personal or organizational security.
- Do not reply to a suspicious message. Verify requests through a separate, trusted channel instead of using links or numbers in the message.
- Fraud victims should contact local police first, then report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or at 1-888-495-8501.
- Under PIPEDA, personal information must be protected by safeguards suited to its sensitivity, including physical measures such as locked cabinets and restricted access to offices.
- Under PIPEDA, organizations must report a breach that creates a real risk of significant harm to the Privacy Commissioner, notify the people affected, and keep records of all breaches.
Frequently asked questions
What is tailgating in security?
Tailgating is when someone without access follows an authorized person through a secured door. When the authorized person knowingly holds the door, it is often called piggybacking. Both defeat access control.
What should I do if someone calls claiming to be from the alarm company and asks for the code?
Do not give it. Hang up and call the alarm company or your supervisor using a number you already trust, not one the caller gives you.
What is quishing?
Quishing is phishing that uses QR codes. The code sends you to a fake website that tries to steal your login or payment details.
Where do I report a scam in Canada?
Tell your supervisor and IT team. If you lost money or information, contact your local police, then report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Is the certificate accredited or officially recognised?
No. It is a private certificate of completion for knowledge only. It is not recognised, accredited or approved by any government, licensing body, regulator or educational institution, and it does not replace the security licence training required in your province or territory.