Today we will talk about the Phishing attack. What is its main purpose, its different types, and how to avoid it, we will explore later. So, don’t waste any more time, and do it.

Phishing attack – Definition

A phishing attack is a type of cyber threat. This strategy has been used by cybercriminals for a long time. The term “phish” is a combination of the words “fish” and “baiting.” The criminals are attempting to persuade the victim to do one of the following:

• Input data. A bogus site that looks exactly like a popular one asks you to enter in personal information such as email addresses, passwords, usernames, and bank account numbers.
• Obtain a file. The file includes a virus that will harm your computer. They may demand payment to regain control of your device.

They transmit a message that appears traditional and is difficult to distinguish from others. However, it is usually well-written and gives something that the victim desires. Another option is to make the notification appear urgent by stating that the password must be changed in X amount of time.

General Phishing attack types

We distinguish 4 main different Phishing attack types. They are as follows:

1. Spear phishing. Rogue hackers scour company websites, social media sites, and other sources for personal data on targets in order to send them targeted messages. They know you have children since you sent them an email with your name, current job, and other information. Such knowledge strengthens the persuasiveness of a message. A notice of unusual activity on bank accounts, the refurbishment of services, a job offer, a prize, or a tempting coupon will entice you to “confirm” your information on a fake website.
2. Vishing. Criminals use email to approach people in order to obtain their personal information. However, each attempt to transfer money to their accounts or make a purchase requires the validation of an SMS code. Criminals refuse to give up, therefore they call you pretending to be a bank executive or another character in order to obtain the code.
3. Phishing via email. Phishing attacks are most commonly sent via email. They send hundreds of queries using a phony domain that looks like a real organization. The wrong domain frequently includes letter changes, such as putting “n” and “r” next to one other instead of “m.” Another option is to include the company’s name in the email address.
4. Angler phishing. A lot of personal information is publicly accessible on social media, and thieves can connect with a flawless cover. People are duped into clicking harmful URLs in order to download malware, provide sensitive data, and so forth.

How to avoid it?

Yes, Phishing attacks are really dangerous. But is it possible to protect against them? Yes, you can. Here are our suggestions on how to avoid it:

• Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links. Phishing would be much reduced if everyone was cautious about the links they clicked on. Be mindful about clicking on links that appear at random unless you’re on a site you absolutely trust. If an email seems suspect for any reason, think twice before disclosing your personal information.
• Make it challenging for hackers to access your information. There is a lesser possibility of a successful attack if less harmful messages can reach your server. Never let your guard down! Anti-spoofing mechanisms such as DMARC, DKIM, and SPF should be implemented.
• Virus detection and removal software. Keep your organization’s equipment safe by using effective anti-virus software. Remember that phishing can target your staff in order to gain access to your company’s vital information.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Phishing attack could be really harmful to you and your organization. To avoid damage, take preventive measures – avoid suspicious links, use anti-spoofing mechanisms, and have anti-virus software. If you have all of these things, then the likelihood of being phished is minimal.