A phishing attack is a type of social engineering attack that uses fraudulent emails or text messages to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or bank account information.
Phishing attacks typically start with an email or text message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank, credit card company, or online retailer. The email or text message will often contain a link that, when clicked, will take the victim to a fake website that looks like the real website. Once the victim enters their personal information on the fake website, the phisher can steal it.
There are many different types of phishing attacks, but some of the most common include:
This type of phishing attack is targeted at specific individuals or organizations. The phisher will gather as much information as possible about the victim before sending the attack, in order to make it more believable.
This type of phishing attack is targeted at high-profile individuals, such as CEOs or celebrities. The phisher will often use a more sophisticated approach in order to trick the victim, such as sending the attack from a compromised email address or using a spoofed website.
This type of phishing attack uses text messages instead of emails. Smshing attacks are often more successful than email phishing attacks, because people are more likely to click on links in text messages.
This type of phishing attack uses phone calls instead of emails or text messages. Vishing attacks are often more successful than email or text message phishing attacks, because people are more likely to give out personal information over the phone.
These are just a few examples of phishing attacks. Read this blog to learn about the top phishing attacks
There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from phishing attacks, including:
if you receive an email or text message that asks for your password, credit card number, or other personal information, don't click on any links in the message and don't reply to it. Instead, contact the company directly to verify the request.
If you receive an email or text message with a link, hover over the link before clicking on it. If the link takes you to a website that doesn't look like the real website, don't enter any personal information.
Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from phishing attacks.
A firewall can help block phishing emails from reaching your inbox, and antivirus software can help protect you from malware that is downloaded from fake websites.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phishing attacks.