Definition:
Phishing
is a type of cyber attack that is generally used to steal user data, including login credentials. This attack occurs when an attacker impersonates a trusted entity to trick the user into opening a deceptive email, text message or other form of communication.
What phishing is used for
Phishing is a fraudulent activity whose main objective is to induce the victim to click on a malicious link. This often results in the automatic installation of malware on the user’s device. The most common type of phishing is email phishing, known as deceptive phishing or deceptive phishing. However, there are other types of phishing attacks.
Types of phishing
Some of the most common types of phishing are described below:
- Deceptive Phishing: Attackers send emails that appear to be from legitimate sources to trick users into revealing personal or financial information.
- Pharming or DNS-based phishing: Manipulation of host files or DNS servers to redirect users to fake websites.
- Search engine phishing: Creation of fake websites that are indexed by search engines to redirect users to fraudulent pages.
- Content injection phishing: Manipulation of a legitimate website by adding fake content to obtain confidential information.
- Spear Phishing: Attacks targeted at specific individuals or companies, with personalized messages to increase the probability of success.
- Whaling: Sophisticated attacks targeting senior executives or high-profile individuals within an organization.
- Smishing and Vishing: Use of text messages (SMS) and voice calls to deceive victims and obtain personal information.
Consequences of phishing
Phishing can have several negative consequences, such as:
- Identity theft: Attackers can use stolen personal information to impersonate the victim.
- Financial losses: Victims may face money losses if attackers access bank accounts or credit cards.
- Compromise of confidential data: Companies can have sensitive data compromised, affecting the privacy and trust of customers.
- Disruption of operations: Attacks can cause downtime and loss of productivity.
Phishing protection measures
To protect yourself against phishing it is advisable to implement the following measures:
- Education and awareness: Train users to identify suspicious emails and messages.
- Use of security software: Implement cybersecurity solutions to detect and block phishing attempts.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an additional layer of security to make unauthorized access more difficult.
- Verification of URLs: Check that URLs are correct and secure before entering sensitive information.
- Software update: Keep systems and applications updated with the latest security patches.