Phishing is a type of online fraud where attackers attempt to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data, by disguising themselves as a trustworthy source. This is typically done through email, but can also be done through text message, phone call, or social media message.
One common form of phishing is called "spear phishing" which targets specific individuals or organizations. The attacker will often research their victim in advance in order to make their message seem more legitimate. For example, they may use the victim's name or position in the company in the subject line of the email or message.
Another common form of phishing is called "whaling" which targets high-level executives or wealthy individuals. These attacks often use the same tactics as spear phishing, but with more sophisticated language and a higher level of personalization.
To protect yourself from phishing attacks, it's important to be cautious when clicking on links or providing personal information online. If you receive an email or message from someone you don't know, don't click on any links or download any attachments. Additionally, be wary of any message that asks for personal information or financial data, even if it seems to be from a legitimate source.
It's also a good idea to use anti-virus software and to keep your computer and devices up-to-date with the latest security patches. Educating yourself and your employees on how to spot a phishing attack is also an important step in protecting yourself and your organization from these types of fraud.