What is Phishing Attack and How to Prevent It? [With Examples]

In this digital world, online security threats are more prevalent. Among these threats, phishing attacks have emerged as one of the most dangerous cybercrimes. With the evolution of technology, hackers & cybercriminals have become more creative to deceive people. In fact, a recent study by Proofpoint found that 88% of organizations & 64% of security professionals worldwide experienced spear-phishing attempts in 2019. This alarming statistic shows just how prevalent phishing attacks have become & highlights the need for increased awareness & education on this topic. So, what is phishing attack? Let us delve into the details below.

What is Phishing Attack?

A phishing attack is the fraudulent attempt by cybercriminals to get confidential information such as usernames, passwords, & credit card details from people. These attacks happen through email, text messages, social media, & phone calls, where the attacker acts as a trustable entity such as a bank, government institution, or an online retailer.

Phishing attack meaning can also be extended to the use of malicious links or attachments that install malware onto the victim's computer to steal valuable data or gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. The goal of phishing attacks is to manipulate the victim into disclosing personal information or clicking on a link that leads them to a fake website where they mistakenly provide their confidential details.

As cybersecurity attacks are increasing, phishing attacks are becoming more prevalent, with an estimated 1 in 99 emails being phishing attempts. It's essential to be cautious while accessing emails or messages from unknown sources & to never provide sensitive information online unless you are sure of the source's legitimacy. Being aware of the warning signs of phishing attacks & using multifactor authentication can help prevent becoming a victim.

Some people even ask what is phishing in computer? It is an attempt to gain sensitive information such as passwords & login credentials using spoofed communications, websites, or emails. The goal of phishing is to impersonate a trustworthy entity & make people believe they are interacting with a legitimate service or organization.

How is Phishing Carried Out?

Phishing attackers often use social engineering tactics, such as creating urgent or enticing messages, to lure users into clicking on links or downloading attachments. These links & attachments may contain malware that can damage the user's device & steal data. Phishing attacks may also involve creating malicious websites that mimic the legitimate ones & thereby steal sensitive information.

Phishing techniques can be relatively simple or sophisticated, depending on the goals of the attacker. Some attackers may target a specific organization or individual, while others may cast a wider net to target multiple users. To stay safe from phishing attacks, users need to be cautious & vigilant of suspicious messages & requests, & verify the legitimacy of the sender & website before sharing any sensitive information.

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated & difficult to detect. Cybersecurity professionals recommend taking a cyber security course to learn how to recognize & avoid these attacks. Cyber Security course duration depends on the particular course, but you can be assured of learning the skills needed to protect yourself & your organization against digital threats.

Types of Phishing Attacks in Cybersecurity

Phishing attacks are one of the most common types of cyber attacks, & they can have bad consequences. So, you must understand different types of phishing attacks and how to prevent them. 

1. Email Phishing: Here, attackers will send fake emails to people to trick them to share sensitive information such as passwords or credit card numbers. These emails may be disguised as legitimate messages from banks, social media platforms, or other trusted sources.
2. Smishing: Smishing attacks use SMS messages to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information. These messages may include links to fake login pages or other types of fraudulent content.
3. Vishing: Vishing attacks are similar to smishing attacks, but they use voice calls instead of SMS messages. Attackers may use a fake caller ID or impersonate a legitimate business to try to convince individuals to reveal their personal information.
4. Pharming: Pharming is a type of phishing attack where cybercriminals redirect users to fake websites. They do this by tampering with the website’s DNS system, causing users to unknowingly visit the phishing attack website instead of the legitimate one. Whaling is another form of phishing attack that targets high-level executives & senior managers in organizations.
5. Whaling: Whaling attacks are targeted at high-level executives or other individuals with access to sensitive data. Attackers may craft fraudulent emails or other messages that appear to be from a CEO or other high ranking official, hoping to trick the recipient into revealing confidential information.
6. Clone Phishing: Clone phishing attacks involve creating a fake, but convincing, replica of a legitimate email. Attackers will often take a legitimate email & modify it slightly to add a malicious link or other malicious content.
7. Spear Phishing: Ever wondered what is spear phishing in cyber security? Spear phishing is targeted at certain individuals or organizations. Attackers will use information collected from social media, public records, or other sources to create personalized messages that appear authentic. These messages look like they are coming from someone the recipient knows, such as a friend.

To learn more about spear phishing attack meaning & how to protect against such attacks, it is highly recommended to take Certified Ethical Hacker training course. This course offers in-depth insights into common cyber threats, including spear phishing, & provide practical tips for identifying & mitigating them.

Phishing Attack Examples

In most cases, phishing attacks use social engineering techniques to manipulate the victim into taking an action like clicking on a malicious link or downloading a fake attachment. On that note, let’s take a closer look at some common phishing attack examples:

• Link Manipulation: This type of phishing attack involves manipulating a legitimate link to redirect the victim to a fake website or to download malware. The attackers may use URL shorteners or typosquatting techniques to make the link appear legitimate, but it actually leads to a malicious website.
• Fake Websites: Here, the attackers create a fake website that looks like a legitimate website, such as a bank or an e-commerce site. They then trick the victim to share their login credentials or bank information on the fake website.
• CEO Fraud: This is a targeted phishing attack that is aimed at high-level executives & other senior employees. The attackers impersonate the CEO or another senior executive & request that the victim transfer money or disclose sensitive information.
• Content Injection: It involves injecting malicious code into a legitimate website to steal sensitive information from the victim or to download malware onto their device.
• Session Hijacking: In this type of attack, the attackers steal the victim’s session ID or cookie & use it to impersonate the victim & gain unauthorized access to their accounts.
• Malware: Phishing attacks are also used to distribute malware like viruses, Trojans, & ransomware.

People often ask what are targeted phishing attacks called? Also known as spear phishing, these are those attacks that are targeted to an individual or organization. The attackers use information they have gathered about the victim to create a more convincing phishing email or website.

Phishing relies on human interaction, rather than technical exploits, to succeed. It is a form of deception that preys on human vulnerabilities, such as fear, greed, & curiosity. Phishing attack can occur on various platforms, including email, social media, & messaging apps. So, it is important to stay vigilant & to always verify the authenticity of requests for sensitive information.

How to Prevent Phishing Attacks ?

Phishing attacks continue to pose a significant threat to individuals & organizations. To safeguard yourself & your sensitive information, it is essential to know how to avoid phishing attacks & take right measures. By following these expert recommendations, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks:

1. Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails

Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails, especially from unknown senders or those that contain unexpected attachments or links. Avoid clicking on suspicious links & be aware of requests for personal or financial information, even if they appear legitimate.

2. Verify The Legitimacy Of Websites

Before entering sensitive information on a website, ensure its legitimacy by checking the URL, looking for HTTPS encryption, & reviewing security certificates. Avoid accessing websites through links provided in emails or messages; instead, manually type the URL into your browser.

3. Keep Your Software Updated

Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, & antivirus software. Software updates often include important security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by phishing attacks. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you have the latest protection against emerging threats.

4. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

If you ask any expert on how to prevent phishing attacks, the first solution they will come up with is to create strong passwords for all your online accounts. Avoid using common passwords or personal information. Consider using a password manager to securely store & generate unique passwords for each account. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.

5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enable MFA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security. MFA requires additional verification beyond a password, such as a fingerprint, security token, or a one-time passcode sent to your mobile device. This makes it tough for attackers to get access to your accounts.

6. Educate Yourself and Others

Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques & scams. Regularly educate yourself & your colleagues or family members on how to identify & avoid phishing attacks. Be aware of social engineering tactics used by attackers, such as urgency, fear, or enticing offers, & encourage others to do the same.

By implementing these practices on how to prevent phishing, you can fortify your defenses against phishing attacks & minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals.

Winding Up

Phishing attacks are a serious threat that we must all take into account. Having knowledge of what is phishing attack & how to spot it is essential in protecting oneself & maintaining the privacy of our personal information. There are many online courses that serve as a great guide to improve our understanding of security measures needed to protect ourselves from cybercriminals. KnowledgeHut's Cyber Security certifications are an excellent choice as they provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest security trends, practices, & defenses against cyber threats.