Common Phishing Attacks | NCDIT (2024)

Phishing is a common way cybercriminals try to steal a person’s personal information or to install harmful software, called malware, on someone else’s computer.

Typically, in a phishing attack, a scammer sends a message – whether over email or social media – that might look like it is from a trustworthy person, company or charity. The message might suggest there is a problem or that someone needs help and that the recipient can take action by clicking a link.That link sends the user to a fake website and captures personal information or secretly downloads malware onto their device.

Below are some of the most common methods of phishing. Learn about more ways to avoid phishing attacks.

Email Phishing

Most phishing attacks use email. A scammer registers a fake domain or website name that mimics a real organization and then sends out thousands of generic requests.

The fake website name often replaces one letter with another. For example, "r" and "n" might be put together to make "rn," which looks like "m."

Phishing attacks might also use an organization’s name in a fake address (e.g., paypal@domainregistrar.com), so that a legitimate sender’s name (e.g., PayPal) appears in the recipient’s inbox.

Always check URLs and email addresses if you’re asked to click a link or download an attachment.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is when a cybercriminal sends a harmful email to a specific person that includes personal information to better trick them. That information might include the person's:

  • Name
  • School or employer
  • Grade level or job title
  • Email address
  • Details about their school or job role

Smishing & Vishing

In smishing, scammers send text messages. Vishing involves telephone calls. In both, like in email phishing, scammers try to trick the recipient into clicking on a link or attachment or sharing personal information.

Angler Phishing

Angler phishing involves using social media to trick people into giving up sensitive information or downloading malware.

Scammers might use fake URLs, instant messaging and cloned websites, as well as posts and tweets. Highly targeted attacks might also be based on information that people willingly post on social media. That information includes geotagging, names, birthdays and vacations.

(Source: ITGovernance.eu)

Common Phishing Attacks | NCDIT (2024)

FAQs

Common Phishing Attacks | NCDIT? ›

Fake Websites

Cybercriminals send phishing emails that include links to fake websites, such as a known mail provider's mobile account login page, asking the victim to enter their credentials or other information into the fake site's interface.

What is a phishing attack with an example? ›

Fake Websites

Cybercriminals send phishing emails that include links to fake websites, such as a known mail provider's mobile account login page, asking the victim to enter their credentials or other information into the fake site's interface.

What is a common lure in phishing attacks? ›

And in fact, impersonation scams are commonly used lures in social media phishing campaigns that often lead to stolen credentials. But even so, social media is unique in that some of its components can double as lures as well. Specifically, threat actors can leverage a promise of social media growth to draw in victims.

Are 90% of attacks phishing? ›

Over 90% of Cyber-Attacks Begin with Phishing - How Can Attacks be Stopped? Phishing is now so common that almost all (96%) businesses suffer from its ill effects, including credential theft, Business Email Compromise, and ransomware infection.

What is a real life example of phishing? ›

Another classic example is a phishing email from Netflix that says “Your account has been suspended”. It asks you to click a link and give your details to reactivate your account. The attackers then harvest those details and either use them to commit fraud, or sell them on the dark web.

What are the 4 P's of phishing? ›

One way is to remember “the four Ps”: Pretend, problem, pressure, pay. Many scam tactics boil down to these four words.

What is the most difficult phishing to detect? ›

Spear Phishing

Then the scammer uses this information to craft a phishing message with an offer or request information relevant to who the target is and/or what they do. As such, this type of phishing is more difficult to detect.

Which email is most likely phishing? ›

Requests for personal information: Legitimate companies won't ask for sensitive information like passwords or Social Security numbers through email. If an email tells you to verify your account by clicking a link and entering your login details, it's likely a phishing attempt.

What do hackers use for phishing? ›

Phishing attacks typically work by: Fraudulent communication: The attacker sends emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources. Malicious links or attachments: The actor adds links or attachments in the communication that install malware on the victim's device when they click or download.

Where do most phishing attacks come from? ›

Most phishing attacks are sent by email. The crook will register a fake domain that mimics a genuine organisation and sends thousands of generic requests. The fake domain often involves character substitution, like using 'r' and 'n' next to each other to create 'rn' instead of 'm'.

Is spear phishing the most common? ›

In a report from Barracuda that analyzed 50 billion emails, researchers found that spear phishing accounted for less than 0.1% of the emails but led to 66% of successful breaches.

What is smashing and fishing? ›

Smishing and vishing are scams where criminals attempt to get users to click a fraudulent link through a phone text message, email, or voicemail.

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