Phishing<\/a> is a fraudulent practice where attackers send deceptive communications that appear to come from a reputable source, typically through email. It is a core component of Social Engineering<\/a> designed to steal sensitive data like login credentials and credit card numbers.<\/p> Attackers often use Spear Phishing<\/a> to target specific individuals or organizations. When these attacks target high-ranking executives, they are referred to as Whaling<\/a>. Other variations include Vishing<\/a> (voice phishing) and Smishing<\/a> (SMS phishing). These methods often involve creating a sense of urgency or fear to bypass a victim's critical thinking.<\/p> Victims may suffer from Identity Theft<\/a> or find their systems infected with Malware<\/a>. To mitigate these risks, organizations implement Multi-Factor Authentication<\/a> and conduct regular security awareness training. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)<\/a>, staying vigilant against unsolicited requests for information is crucial. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)<\/a> also provides resources for reporting these crimes and understanding common spoofing tactics.<\/p>Common Techniques<\/h2>
Impact and Prevention<\/h2>