Top 10 Phishing Techniques Exposed -

Stay One Step Ahead of Cybercriminals

Think you can spot a phishing scam a mile away? Think again. Cybercriminals have an array of different phishing techniques that they continuously improve and upgrade. From sneaky clone attacks to smishing and vishing, they have a whole arsenal of strategies ready to launch and trick even the most tech-savvy users out there. Therefore, let's dive into our list of the top 10 techniques, time to arm yourself with some knowledge to avoid becoming the next big catch.

10 Classic Phishing Techniques You Need to Be Aware Of

Since the 1990s, when the first cyber attacks were recorded, and the initial automated mechanisms for data theft were developed, phishing has remained one of the most effective methods for stealing sensitive information. As online presence has increased and various social media and communication platforms have developed, hackers have consistently kept pace, devising new and effective traps.

That's why, when thinking about phishing nowadays, we are talking not just about one but about numerous different techniques that are used for thousands of phishing attacks daily. There isn't a single way to can't protect yourself from them unless you know how they work and what are the red flags to be aware of, so here's a list of the top ten techniques phishers use and how they work.

#1 Email Phishing

The oldest trick in the book, email scams, is still one of the most popular types of attacks and a technique most phishers won't skip trying simply because it's still so effective. The subject may vary, but almost always, these emails require some sort of urgent action, either filling in your personal data or clicking on a malicious link.

They look like they are coming from a trustworthy source, but often these emails contain grammar mistakes and intentional character substitutions ("rn" instead of "m") to trick people.

#2 Smishing

Although SMS texts aren't as popular as before, smishing is still a widely used form of cyberattack because SMS spam filters aren't as advanced as those for emails. This technique uses fake SMS messages with links, impersonating brands, pretending to be customer service, or even your boss.

The goal is that the victim clicks on the link and then downloads malware or inserts sensitive data. A popular example is the package delivery update and impersonation of brands like DHL.

#3 Vishing

Vishing stands for phone phishing, another highly lucrative scam in which cybercriminals pretend to be someone else, such as IRS workers, asking for personal information or trying to convince the victim to pay the money they "owe" urgently. Targets can be individuals but also organizations.

#4 Content Injection

Inserting foreign content into a website is another form of cyberattack known as content injection. This works in a way that cybercriminals pick a reliable and reputable website and then make minor changes in its content to include a link to their pages, where they are asked to insert personal information. The goal is usually to display unwanted advertisements, steal user information, or spread malware.

#5 Spear Phishing

When phishers have a specific target in mind, whether an individual or an organization, they put in more effort to craft their attacks and backstories, and that's called spear phishing Members of HR or IT departments are the typical targets, and the mode of execution is pretty much the same, sending emails that look as reliable as possible to try to get access to data or urge a money transfer.

#6 Whaling

In cases when the target of an attack is particularly high-profile, such as someone at the top of the company hierarchy, like the CEO or CFO, these attempts of spear phishing are called whaling. Whaling requires more research and sophistication in execution, and phishers usually impersonate a colleague at the same executive level or a peer from another organization. They craft convincing and personalized messages to exploit the trust and then gain access to sensitive information and make fraudulent financial transactions.

#7 Man-in-the-Middle Attack

Man in the middle (MITM) attack is a highly sophisticated one with a great success rate. The phishers position themselves between two parties, usually the user and the app, and get into their conversation with the goal of stealing sensitive information such as bank details, login credentials, or personal data.

#8 Search Engine Phishing

The technique is also known as SEO poisoning. Phishers create fake websites and use paid ads to position them at the top of search engines' lists. By offering services or products at unreasonably low prices, phishers manage to steal money and sensitive information from naive buyers. They often copy famous brands, which is why it's important to pay attention to the URL before clicking.

#9 Session Hijacking

Similar to MITM attacks, session hijacking is another method of stealing sensitive data. The session starts when a user logs into an account and ends when they log out. The attackers wait for the victim to log in to their email or banking app and then steal the session cookie, which they will later use to log into the victim's account and exploit it.

#10 Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are mostly delivered through phishing emails. As the name suggests, they require the victim to pay a ransom to regain access to their device or files Typically, users are tricked into clicking on a malicious link within the email, which subsequently installs malware.

The malware is designed to encrypt files or deny access to the device until the demanded ransom is paid. The attackers often create a sense of urgency and fear, pressuring the victim into complying with their demands. The ransom is usually requested in cryptocurrency to help phishers stay anonymous.

Staying Ahead of Phishing Threats

With phishing techniques coming in many forms and bypassing filters and defense systems, the only thing that remains to rely on is being aware of all the tricks in the hat, practicing cautiousness, and educating individuals and organizations on how to spot red flags and stay safe in the digital age.

Browse our blog section for more articles on cybersecurity and Cybernut