6 Common Phishing Attacks and Their Impact on Organizations
Phishing is one of the most common fraud techniques today. It happens when cyber criminals send messages through email or other platforms impersonating a real and legitimate person or organization. And if the victim falls into the scam, they end up downloading malware or providing personal details to the attackers.
According to a 2022 State of Phish report by Proof Point, 83% of the study’s respondents said their organizations received a successful email-based phishing message in 2021. That’s how prevalent these attacks are. And the results can be detrimental:
To help safeguard your data, we’ve compiled a list of the most common types of phishing attacks. We’ll tell you how they happen and the measures you can take to protect yourself.
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a form of cybercrime where bad actors trick people into giving away sensitive information or downloading malicious software. It’s the most common form of computer crime, and attackers use deceiving tactics such as emails, text messages, and phone calls.
The goal of phishing is to access private accounts, steal identities or infect computer systems with malware. To prevent it, you need to educate yourself and others on the dangers of these scams, use security measures, and take legal action when possible.
The consequences of phishing can be severe, both for individuals and organizations. They can lead to financial loss, identity theft, and loss of customer trust. Don’t let phishers fish for you. Be vigilant, stay informed, and take action to protect yourself.
6 Common Types of Phishing Attacks
Let’s now get into the interesting part. Here are the six most common types of phishing attacks to watch out for:
1. Spear Phishing
Spear phishing is a cyber-attack where bad actors send targeted emails that appear to be from a trusted source to trick individuals into giving away sensitive information or downloading malicious software. Attackers use previously acquired personal information about the target to make the email appear legitimate. Read More…