Title: Phishing Definition & Meaning | What is Phishing?
Headings: Phishing
Phishing
What is phishing?
History of phishing
What is a phishing attack?
Common examples of phishing attacks
Phishing kits
Types of phishing attacks
Spear phishing
Whaling
Smishing
Vishing
Search engine phishing
How to recognize a phishing attack
How to prevent phishing attacks
Top anti phishing software
Avanan
IRONSCALES
Proofpoint Essentials
Agari Phishing Defense
Cofense

Content: Date of birth
Social security number
Phone number
Credit card details
Home address
Password information
An attacker’s goal in phishing is to lead the victim to click a link or download an attachment, which can lead to the installation of malware, the freezing of the system as part of a ransomware attack, or directing users to a malicious website that is disguised as a legitimate site, in which the victim enters in personal information. The results can include large unauthorized purchases, identity theft, and the stealing of funds. Common requested actions in a phishing scam include: Clicking an attachment
Enabling macros in a Microsoft Word document
Updating a password
Downloading a file
Responding to a social media connection request
Using a new Wi-Fi hotspot
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack, an umbrella term to describe many methods of stealing personal information and manipulation to hack victims’ private or corporate accounts. Many scams and cybercrimes fall into the category of social engineering, particularly phishing, but social engineering mainly indicates some level of personal manipulation. Personal manipulation can include calling people over the phone or developing a basic connection with them over social media. Cyber manipulation could mean sending malicious files via email or stealing someone’s personal data to access an account or a building. Other types of social engineering includes baiting, scareware, and pretexting. The term phishing serves as an analogy of the sport of angling. Phishing attackers use “lures,” setting out “hooks” to “fish” for credentials and financial data from the “sea” of internet victims.