Social engineering attack is a type of Cyber Security attack that uses deception to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing an action. There are several different types of social engineering attacks:
- Phishing: An attack that uses email or instant messaging to trick victims into clicking on a link or attachment that will download malware or take them to a fake website where they are prompted to enter sensitive information.
- Baiting: Attackers use an irresistible offer, such as a free gift or a prize, to entice victims to give up sensitive information.
- Scareware: Attackers use fear, such as a warning that a computer is infected with malware, to trick victims into buying a fake security product or providing sensitive information.
- Pretexting: Attackers create and use false identities to gain the trust of victims and obtain sensitive information.
- Quid pro quo: Attackers offer something of value in exchange for sensitive information or access to a network.
- Impersonation: Attackers impersonate a legitimate person or organization in order to gain sensitive information or access to a network.
These are some common types of social engineering attacks, but new forms of social engineering are being created and discovered frequently, so it’s important to stay aware of the latest threats and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your organization.
Phishing
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that is often used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. It is typically carried out through email or instant messaging, and is often used as a way to spread malware or gain access to a network.
In a phishing attack, the attacker sends an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank, an online retailer, or a government agency. The message typically includes a link or attachment that, when clicked, will download malware or take the victim to a fake website that looks like the real one, where the victim is prompted to enter sensitive information.
Phishing can also be used to spread malware via a link or attachment in an email or message. Once the link or attachment is clicked, the malware is downloaded and can infect the computer and give the attacker access to the network.
Therefore, phishing can be considered a type of network attack as it aims to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, steal personal data, and steal money. Also, it can be used to spread malware and infect the network.
There are several different types of phishing attacks:
- Email phishing: This type of phishing attack uses email messages to trick users into giving up sensitive information or clicking on a link that leads to a malicious website.
- Spear phishing: This type of phishing attack targets specific individuals or organizations and is typically more personalized and sophisticated than regular phishing attacks.
- Whaling: This type of phishing attack specifically targets high-profile individuals or executives within a company.
- Vishing: This type of phishing attack uses phone calls or voice messages to trick users into giving up sensitive information.
- SMS phishing: This type of phishing attack uses text messages to trick users into giving up sensitive information or clicking on a link that leads to a malicious website.
- Social media phishing: This type of phishing attack uses social media platforms to trick users into giving up sensitive information or clicking on a link that leads to a malicious website.
- Clone phishing: This type of phishing attack uses a legitimate, previously delivered email and replaces its attachment or link with a malicious one.
- Business Email Compromise (BEC): A phishing attack that targets employees with access to company finances, tricking them into transferring money or sensitive information to the attacker.
- CEO fraud: A phishing attack that impersonates a CEO or other high-level executive, tricking employees into providing sensitive information or transferring funds.
It’s important to note that these types of phishing attacks continue to evolve and new variations are frequently being developed. It is important for people and organizations to be aware of the different types of phishing attacks and to take steps to protect themselves from them.
FAQ:
Question: Is Phishing a kind of network attack?
Answer: Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that is often used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. It is typically carried out through email or instant messaging, and is often used as a way to spread malware or gain access to a network.
In a phishing attack, the attacker sends an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank, an online retailer, or a government agency. The message typically includes a link or attachment that, when clicked, will download malware or take the victim to a fake website that looks like the real one, where the victim is prompted to enter sensitive information.
Phishing can also be used to spread malware via a link or attachment in an email or message. Once the link or attachment is clicked, the malware is downloaded and can infect the computer and give the attacker access to the network.
Therefore, phishing can be considered a type of network attack as it aims to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, steal personal data, and steal money. Also, it can be used to spread malware and infect the network.
Question: Are Phishing and Malware same?
Answer: Phishing and Malware are not the same thing.
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that is used to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. It typically uses email or instant messaging to trick the victim into clicking on a link or attachment that will download malware or take them to a fake website where they are prompted to enter sensitive information.
Malware, on the other hand, is a type of software that is designed to harm or exploit a computer system or network. This can include viruses, Trojan horses, worms, adware, spyware, rootkits, ransomware, and fileless malware.
While phishing can be used to spread malware, they are different in nature. Phishing aims to trick the victim into divulging sensitive information or performing an action, while malware aims to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks, steal personal data and disrupt network operations.