What is Phisihing attack?
A phishing attack is a type of cyberattack where an attacker disguises themselves as a legitimate or trustworthy entity to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details. This is typically done through deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear authentic but are actually malicious.
Common methods of phishing attacks include:
- Email Phishing: Attackers send emails that seem to be from reputable organizations (like banks or tech companies), prompting the recipient to click on a link or download an attachment, leading to malicious websites or software.
- Spear Phishing: A more targeted form of phishing, where the attacker customizes the message to a specific individual or organization, making it more convincing.
- Smishing and Vishing: These involve sending fraudulent text messages (SMS) or making voice calls to trick users into providing personal information.
- Clone Phishing: Attackers duplicate legitimate emails and replace any links or attachments with malicious ones, making it hard for the recipient to detect the scam.
To avoid phishing attacks:
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for sensitive information.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
- Keep software and security tools up to date.