Phishing attacks are a pervasive cybersecurity threat designed to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. They exploit the widespread use of online services and transactions, making them a significant concern for organizations and individuals alike. Recognizing the different types of phishing attacks can help you safeguard your information and protect your organization from potential breaches.
The Most Common Types of Phishing Attacks
Here are 19 key types of phishing attacks and how they operate:
1. Spear Phishing
Spear phishing targets a specific individual within an organization by gathering details like their name, role, and contact information to create a personalized attack.
Example:
A hacker targeted an employee of NTL World, part of Virgin Media, with an email requesting them to sign a new employee handbook. The link led to a page designed to steal their credentials.
2. Vishing (Voice Phishing)
Vishing involves using phone calls to impersonate trusted contacts and extract sensitive information.
Example:
In 2019, UK lawmakers and their staff were victims of a vishing campaign, with attackers making deceptive calls to steal personal information.
3. Email Phishing
Email phishing tricks recipients into entering sensitive information via fraudulent emails or fake websites.
Example:
Hackers used LinkedIn to extract contact details of Sony employees, launching an email phishing attack that compromised over 100 terabytes of data.
4. HTTPS Phishing
Attackers exploit the trust associated with HTTPS websites by sending links to fraudulent sites that mimic legitimate ones.
Example:
The group Scarlet Widow sent deceptive emails with links to fake sites, luring users into divulging personal data.
5. Pharming
Pharming redirects victims to malicious websites by installing harmful code on their devices.
Example:
In 2007, a global pharming attack targeted over 50 financial institutions, tricking users into entering sensitive information on fake websites.
6. Pop-up Phishing
Pop-up phishing uses misleading pop-ups to trick users into downloading malware or contacting fake support centers.
Example:
Scammers sent fake pop-ups offering AppleCare renewals to lure users into entering their details.
7. Evil Twin Phishing
Hackers set up fake Wi-Fi networks resembling legitimate ones to capture sensitive data.
Example:
Russian agency GRU created fake Wi-Fi networks to deceive users into providing their credentials.
8. Watering Hole Phishing
Hackers infect popular websites frequented by a specific group to compromise their devices.
Example:
In 2012, the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations website was targeted, infecting high-profile users with malicious code.
9. Whaling
Whaling targets high-ranking executives for access to sensitive organizational data.
Example:
A hedge fund founder lost $800,000 after falling for a phishing scam involving a fake Zoom link.
10. Clone Phishing
Attackers replicate legitimate emails and modify them to include malicious links.
Example:
Hackers copied an earlier email from a CEO, using it to gain the trust of a target and steal sensitive information.
11. Deceptive Phishing
Deceptive phishing involves impersonating a trusted entity to claim an ongoing cyberattack and prompt action.
Example:
Fake emails from “Apple Support” claimed users’ Apple IDs were blocked, leading victims to malicious sites.
12. Social Engineering
This technique manipulates victims psychologically to extract sensitive details.
Example:
A hacker pretended to be from Chase Bank, urging a victim to reveal ATM card details to resolve an “urgent” issue.
13. Angler Phishing
Angler phishing uses fake social media posts to deceive users into sharing private information.
Example:
Scammers posed as Domino’s Pizza on Twitter, using fake accounts to lure customers into revealing their data.
14. Smishing (SMS Phishing)
Smishing involves sending fraudulent text messages to extract sensitive details.
Example:
Hackers impersonating American Express sent urgent messages, leading victims to fake websites.
15. Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) Attacks
Hackers intercept data exchanged between two parties to steal sensitive information.
Example:
In 2017, Equifax users became victims of MiTM attacks due to unsecured connections on its app.
16. Website Spoofing
Fake websites that resemble legitimate ones are used to collect user credentials.
Example:
Hackers created a fake Amazon website to steal users’ login details through deceptive URLs.
17. Domain Spoofing
Hackers mimic trusted domains in emails or websites to mislead users into sharing private data.
Example:
Attackers created a fake LinkedIn domain to capture login credentials.
18. Image Phishing
Embedded malicious files in images are used to infect devices or steal credentials.
Example:
Hackers leveraged AdGholas to embed malware in images, compromising victims’ devices.
19. Search Engine Phishing
Fake ads or search results lure victims to malicious sites posing as trusted brands.
Example:
A fraudulent ad mimicking Booking.com appeared in search results, directing users to phishing sites.
How to Stay Safe from Phishing Attacks
- Verify URLs before clicking links.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information over email or phone unless verified.
- Implement robust cybersecurity measures like two-factor authentication.
- Regularly educate employees about phishing threats.
Related Services and Certifications
- Cybersecurity Training Programs: Learn to identify and counter phishing attempts.
- ISO 27001 Certification: Ensure your organization follows best practices for information security.
- Penetration Testing Services: Evaluate your systems for vulnerabilities.