Introduction to Social Engineering
Phishing is a social engineering attack in which an attacker sends an email, text message or other communication that appears to be from a reputable source, such as a bank, social media site or online retailer. The message typically contains a link that redirects the user to a fake website that looks legitimate. The user is then prompted to enter sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data.
Spear phishing is a more targeted form of phishing that is directed towards a specific individual or group. The attacker researches the target's social media profiles, online activity, and other information to create a more convincing message. The goal is to trick the target into providing sensitive information or downloading malware.
Phishing attacks are a major security threat for individuals and organizations. They can be difficult to detect because they often appear to come from a legitimate source. It is important to be cautious and verify the identity of the sender before clicking on links or entering sensitive information.
A common example of phishing is an email that appears to come from a bank. The email might contain a message stating that the user's account has been compromised and that they need to click on a link to reset their password. The link redirects the user to a fake website that looks identical to the bank's website. The user is then prompted to enter their username and password, which the attacker can use to access their account.
An example of spear phishing is an email that appears to come from a company's CEO. The email might contain a message stating that the recipient has been selected for a special project and that they need to click on a link to download a file. The link redirects the user to a fake website that looks legitimate. The user is then prompted to enter their login credentials, which the attacker can use to access the company's network.
Phishing and spear phishing are two of the most common social engineering attacks. They can be difficult to detect and can cause significant damage to individuals and organizations. It is important to be cautious and verify the identity of the sender before clicking on links or entering sensitive information.
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