Phishing

Phishing

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that involves the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. This deceptive technique is commonly carried out through email spoofing, instant messaging, or malicious websites.

Techniques

Phishing attacks typically employ various techniques to trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing their personal information. Some common methods include:

1. Email Spoofing: Phishers send emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or an online service provider. These emails often contain urgent requests for the recipient to update their account information or verify their credentials by clicking on a link provided in the email.

2. Spear Phishing: This targeted form of phishing involves personalized messages that are tailored to specific individuals or organizations. Phishers gather information about their targets from various sources, such as social media profiles or publicly available data, to make their messages more convincing.

3. Pharming: In pharming attacks, cybercriminals manipulate the domain name system (DNS) to redirect users to fraudulent websites without their knowledge. This technique is particularly dangerous as it can affect even those who enter the correct website address in their browsers.

Prevention

To protect yourself from falling victim to phishing attacks, it is important to follow these preventive measures:

1. Be cautious with emails: Exercise caution when receiving emails, especially those requesting personal information or urging immediate action. Verify the sender's email address and look for any suspicious signs, such as misspellings or grammatical errors.

2. Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Hover over links in emails or messages to check their destination before clicking on them. If a link appears suspicious or unfamiliar, it is best to avoid clicking on it.

3. Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and security software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protection against known vulnerabilities.

4. Enable two-factor authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.

Categories

Phishing can be categorized under the following:

Templates

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Phishing Resources
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See Also

• Cybersecurity
• Social Engineering
• Malware

References