What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses social engineering techniques to trick individuals into providing sensitive information or performing actions that can be used for malicious purposes. It is typically used to steal personal information, such as login credentials or financial information, or to spread malware.



Phishing attacks can take many forms, but they typically involve the use of fraudulent emails or websites that look legitimate but are designed to steal information or install malware on a victim's computer. The attacker may impersonate a well-known company or organization, such as a bank or a government agency, and ask the victim to click on a link or enter personal information.

Form of Phishing Attack

One of the most common forms of phishing is known as "spear phishing", in which the attacker targets a specific individual or organization, rather than a large group of people. This can be done by researching the target and gathering information about them from social media or other online sources.

Another common form of phishing is known as "whaling", in which the attacker targets high-level executives or other individuals with access to sensitive information. This can be done by sending emails that appear to be from a legitimate source and asking the victim to click on a link or enter personal information.

How to protect your self from Phishing Attack

Phishing attacks can be difficult to detect, as the emails and websites used in these attacks are designed to look legitimate. However, there are several steps that individuals and organizations can take to protect themselves from phishing attacks.

First, be suspicious of unsolicited emails or messages, especially those that ask for personal information or login credentials. Never click on links or enter information on a website unless you are sure it is legitimate.

Second, be wary of emails or messages that contain spelling or grammar errors, or that use generic greetings like "Dear valued customer." Legitimate companies and organizations typically use personalized greetings and are less likely to make mistakes in their communications.

Third, be careful when opening attachments or clicking on links in emails, as these can contain malware or take you to a phishing website.

Fourth, Keep your software and operating system updated. Many phishing attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in software and operating systems.

Finally, use anti-virus software and a firewall to protect your computer from malware and other cyber threats.

First Phishing attack in the world

The first recorded phishing attack occurred in the mid-1990s. The term "phishing" was coined around 1996 by hackers who were stealing AOL accounts. They created a fake login page that resembled the real AOL login page and sent out an email to AOL users, asking them to enter their login credentials on the fake page. The attackers would then use these stolen login credentials to gain access to the victims' AOL accounts.

The first phishing attacks were relatively unsophisticated and targeted a small number of individuals. However, as the internet and technology have evolved, phishing attacks have become more sophisticated and widespread. Today, phishing attacks are a major concern for individuals and organizations around the world, as they can be used to steal sensitive information, spread malware, and disrupt operations.

Phishing attacks can be a serious threat to individuals and organizations, but by being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to a phishing attack.