What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where cybercriminals impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to trick people into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.
Types of Phishing
- 1. Email Phishing
- 2. Spear Phishing
- 3. Pharming
- 4. Vishing
- 5. Smishing
Examples of Phishing Attacks
One common phishing attack involves receiving an email purportedly from a bank asking you to click on a link to verify your account details. The link takes you to a fake website that looks like the real bank’s site, where you unknowingly enter your login credentials. The cybercriminals then have access to your account.
Case Studies
In 2016, the CEO of a social media company fell victim to a spear phishing attack where hackers impersonated a high-ranking employee and requested sensitive company information. The hackers used this information to launch a data breach, resulting in significant financial losses for the company.
Statistics on Phishing
– According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, there was a 65% increase in phishing attacks in 2020 compared to the previous year.
– It is estimated that phishing attacks cost businesses around $17,700 per minute globally.
Protecting Yourself from Phishing
– Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal information.
– Double-check URLs before entering any sensitive information.
– Use multi-factor authentication for added security.
