Phishing attacks are fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data, by disguising as a trustworthy entity. Here are the five most common types of phishing attacks
1.Deceptive Phishing: Deceptive phishing is the most common type of phishing attack. In this type of attack, cybercriminals send emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank, a social media platform, or a government agency. The emails usually contain a link that takes the victim to a fake website designed to collect personal information.
2. Spear Phishing: Spear phishing is a more targeted form of phishing. In this type of attack, cybercriminals research their victims to craft personalized emails that appear to be from a trusted source, such as a colleague or a manager. The emails often contain information specific to the victim’s job or personal life, making it more convincing.
3. Whaling: Whaling is a type of spear phishing that targets high-profile individuals, such as executives or public figures. In this type of attack, cybercriminals craft personalized emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a company’s CEO or a government official, to trick victims into divulging sensitive information.
4. Clone Phishing: Clone phishing is a type of attack where cybercriminals create a fake copy of a legitimate email, replacing a link or attachment with a malicious one. The email appears to be from the original sender, making it more likely for the victim to trust and fall for the phishing attempt.
5. Smishing: Smishing is a type of phishing attack that occurs through text messages. In this type of attack, cybercriminals send text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a retailer, to trick victims into clicking on a link or providing personal information.
It’s essential to remain vigilant and verify the source of any communication that asks for personal information or payment. Be wary of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources and always double-check the email or phone number of the sender before responding.
