Phishing Attacks

Introduction

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that involves tricking individuals into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications.

Types of Phishing

• Email Phishing: The most common form, where attackers send fraudulent emails.
• Spear Phishing: Targeted attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations.
• Whaling: A type of spear phishing that targets high-profile individuals.
• Smishing: Phishing via SMS or text messages.
• Vishing: Voice phishing conducted over the phone.

How Phishing Works

Phishing attacks typically follow a common process:

graph TD;
    A[Start] --> B[Create Fake Website or Email];
    B --> C[Send Out Phishing Message];
    C --> D{User Receives Message};
    D -->|Yes| E[User Clicks Link];
    E --> F[User Enters Sensitive Information];
    F --> G[Information Sent to Attacker];
    D -->|No| H[User Ignores Message];
    H --> I[End];
    G --> I;
        

Prevention and Best Practices

To protect against phishing attacks, consider the following best practices:

1. Verify the sender's email address before clicking on links or attachments.
2. Do not provide sensitive information via email.
3. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.
4. Keep your software and antivirus programs updated.
5. Educate employees and users about recognizing phishing attempts.