What Is Phishing?

Phishing attacks are the practice of sending fake messages that appear to come from a credible source, usually done via email, and designed to steal sensitive data such as credit card details and login credentials or to install malware on the victim’s computer. a common type of cyberattack that everyone should learn about to protect themselves.

How does phishing work?

Phishing starts with a fake e-mail or another message that is intended to take advantage of the victim through the SCAM website.
Sometimes Malware is also downloaded onto the target computer.

What are the dangers of phishing attacks?

Sometimes attackers are content to obtain a victim’s credit card information or other personal data for profit, other times phishing emails are sent to obtain employee login information or other details to use in an advanced attack on a specific company. Cybercrimes like persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware often start with phishing.

Types of phishing attacks

• spear phishing

Spear phishing targets a specific group or type of individuals such as the company’s System Administrator, etc. instead of a wide group of people.
Attackers often investigate their victims on social media and other sites. That way, they can personalize their communications and appear more authentic.
Spear phishing is often the first step used to penetrate a company’s defenses and carry out a targeted attack. You could take out an old boot, a tuna or a flounder, any kind of fish. If you go fishing with a spear you are choosing a specific fish to chase, hence the name. Goals are just that, goals.

• Whaling

When attackers go after a “big shot” like a CEO, it’s called whaling. These attackers often spend considerable time sharpening the target to find the right time and means to steal login credentials. The whale is of particular concern because senior executives can access a great deal of company information.

• Pharming

Similar to phishing, pharming sends users to a deceptive website that appears legitimate. However, the victims don’t even have to click on a malicious link to get to the fake website. Attackers could infect either the user’s computer or the user’s computer’s DNS server and redirect the user to a spoofed website even if the correct URL is already entered.

• Deceptive phishing

Deceptive phishing is the most common type of phishing. In this case, an attacker tries to obtain confidential information from the victims. Attackers use the information to steal money or to launch other attacks. A fake email from a bank asking you to click on a link. and checking your account details is an example of deceptive phishing.

• Search Engine Phishing

Search engine phishing, also known as SEO poisoning or SEO trojan, is where the hackers using Google or other search engines become the top hit in a search. If they are successful and can get someone to click their link, you will be taken to their link (hacking) website. Then when you interact with their SCAM webpage and enter sensitive information,
The types of websites that would be mocked can be everything; The main candidates are banks, PayPal, social media, shopping, to name a few.

• Vishing

Vishing carries the same theme as all of these phishing attacks, the attackers are still searching for the user’s personal information or sensitive corporate info. The attack is done through a voice call. This will put the “V” instead of “pH” on the name.

• Smishing

Smishing is an attack that uses Instant messaging applications like WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Telegram, iMessage, etc., or SMS (Short Message Service) to get our attention.
A message that got into your mobile phone via SMS with a link to click or a phone number to call would result in a smishing attack.
A likely scenario that has played out many times is an SMS that appears to be from your bank and Letting you know that your account has been compromised and you need to call (or answer) immediately. Then the attacker asks you to verify your bank account number, SSN, etc. Then the attacker has control of your bank account just like that.

How to Avoid Phishing?

• User Education

One way to protect your organization from phishing is user education. Education must involve all employees. Senior executives are often a target. Teach them how to recognize a phishing email and what to do when they receive it. Simulation exercises are also important to assess how your employees react to a phishing attack in stages.

• Security Technology

No cybersecurity technology can prevent phishing attacks. Instead, organizations must take a layered approach to reduce the number of attacks and lessen their impact when they occur. implement include web and email security, malware protection, user behavior monitoring, and access control.