Phishing: Definition, Types, and How to Recognize It

In today’s digital era, information security is crucial. One of the cyber security threats that many face is “Phishing”. This article will discuss what phishing is, its types, and how to recognize it.

Definition of Phishing

Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by impersonating trusted entities in electronic communications.

Purpose of Phishing

The main goal of a phishing attack is to steal personal information that can be used for illegal access, identity theft, or other financial crimes.

Impact of Phishing

Victims of phishing attacks can suffer financial loss, reputation damage, loss of personal data, or even identity theft.

Types of Phishing

Web Phishing

Web phishing is a type of phishing that is carried out by creating a fake website that resembles a genuine website. The goal is to trick users into entering sensitive information into the fake website, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data.

Web Phishing perpetrators usually send fake emails or messages containing links to fake websites. These fake emails or messages will usually be made to appear convincing so that users do not realize that they are accessing a fake website.

After the user enters sensitive information into the fake website, the perpetrator will use the information to commit crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, or data misuse.

Here are some characteristics of phishing websites that you can pay attention to to avoid becoming a victim:

• Fake website URLs are usually incorrect or different from the original URL.
• The appearance of fake websites is usually sloppy or has writing errors.
• Fake websites usually ask you to enter sensitive information irrelevant to the website’s purpose.
• Fake websites usually use unknown domains or unverified domains.

Email Phishing

Mail phishing is a type of phishing that is carried out by sending fake emails that claim to come from trusted institutions. The goal is to trick users into entering sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data, into a fake website controlled by the perpetrator.

Email Phishing perpetrators will usually use the name of a widely known institution or company, such as a bank, e-commerce, or social media service. They will create emails that look convincing so that users do not realize they are being fraud victims.

Phishing emails typically contain messages urging users to act immediately, such as a warning that their account will be blocked or that they have won a prize. The email will also usually contain a link to a fake website resembling the original one.

Whaling

Whaling is a type of phishing explicitly targeted at individuals in high positions in a company, such as executives or CEOs. The goal is to access sensitive company information, such as financial, customer, or other confidential data.

Whaling perpetrators will usually do research first to gather information about their targets. This information can create fake emails or messages that look convincing.

These fake emails or messages will usually contain letters urging the target to act immediately, such as a warning that their company is under threat or that they have won a prize. The email will also usually contain a link to a fake website resembling the original one.

After the target enters sensitive information into the fake website, the perpetrator will use this information to commit crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, or data misuse.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is a type of phishing that is specifically targeted at specific individuals or organizations with detailed information. The goal is to access sensitive information, such as financial, customer, or other confidential data.

Spear phishing perpetrators will usually do research first to gather information about their targets. This information can be used to create fake emails or messages that look convincing.

Blind Phishing

Blind phishing emails typically contain messages urging users to act immediately, such as a warning that their account will be banned or that they have won a prize. The email will also usually contain a link to a fake website resembling the original one.

After the user enters sensitive information into the fake website, the perpetrator will use the information to commit crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, or data misuse.

Pharming

Pharming is a technique used to redirect users to fake websites without them knowing. These fake websites are usually made to look like real websites so users don’t realize they are being victims of fraud.

Pharming is usually done by redirecting DNS traffic from genuine to fake websites. DNS traffic is the data used to translate domain names to IP addresses. When users enter a domain name into their web browser, the web browser will use DNS information to find the IP address of the website.

Pharming actors can redirect DNS traffic in a variety of ways, including:

• Hacking DNS servers.
• Places malware on the user’s computer.
• Use Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks.

Once DNS traffic has been redirected, users will be automatically redirected to the fake website when they try to access the genuine website. These fake websites can steal sensitive information from users, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data.

How to Recognize Phishing

Pay Attention to the Email Subject

Phishing emails usually have suspicious subjects or force users to act immediately.

Pay attention to the sender’s email address

Check that the sender’s email address matches the official domain of the claimed organization.

Pay attention to the link in the email

Please don’t click on a link before confirming its authenticity by hovering over it without clicking.

Pay Attention to Email Format and Grammar

Phishing emails often have grammatical errors or unprofessional formatting.

Pay attention to the requests in the email

Be careful with emails that ask for your personal information or financial details.

Conclusion

Understanding what phishing is and how to recognize it is the first step in protecting yourself from cyber threats. Always be alerted and educate yourself and those around you.

For further protection from cyber threats, visit Vidia Cloud and find the right cybersecurity solution for you and your organization.