spam in this article, although it is sometime (wrongly) associated with phishing.
At Arsen, we specialize in cybersecurity awareness training to empower individuals and organizations to stay secure. Here is a comprehensive guide to the most common phishing attack types and how to defend against each one.
Email phishing is the most well-known form of phishing. Attackers send fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, online services, or colleagues, to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information.
The email typically contains an urgent message, like "Your account has been compromised!" or "Payment is overdue!" These messages lure recipients into clicking on fake links that lead to counterfeit websites designed to capture login credentials or personal data.
Spear phishing is a targeted form of phishing aimed at specific individuals or companies. Attackers gather information about their target, such as their job title, contacts, or ongoing projects, to craft personalized and convincing messages.
Spear phishing emails often appear to come from a trusted source, such as a manager or business partner. They may contain references to current events, projects, or personal details to build credibility and increase the chances of success.
Smishing involves sending fraudulent text messages to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information. Since people tend to trust SMS messages more than emails, smishing can be particularly effective.
A common smishing message might claim there is an issue with your bank account or that you’ve won a prize, urging you to click on a link or call a phone number. The link typically leads to a fake website designed to steal your information.
Vishing is a form of phishing conducted over the phone. Attackers impersonate legitimate entities, such as banks, tech support, or government agencies, to trick individuals into providing sensitive information.
Vishers use social engineering techniques to create a sense of urgency or fear, convincing victims to divulge information like social security numbers, credit card details, or account passwords.
Clone phishing involves duplicating a legitimate email the victim has previously received, but altering the links or attachments to include malicious content. The attacker sends the "cloned" email, often with a message indicating it is a follow-up or a resend of the original.
Attackers create a nearly identical copy of a trusted email, making the recipient believe it is safe to click the provided links or open attachments.
Understanding the types of phishing attacks is essential to protect your digital assets. From email phishing to smishing, each method employs unique tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. By staying informed and implementing targeted strategies, such as verifying requests, using security software, and conducting regular training, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.
At Arsen, we offer next-generation awareness training to help employees recognize and combat various phishing threats effectively.