Top 5 Phishing Threats for End-Users

Do you think end users are not a significant target for Cyber Criminals? Well, you’re mistaken. Unfortunately, despite all protective measures, you’re probably this close to being a cybercrime victim. Hackers have figured that end users are the most accessible gateway to obtaining a company’s valuable information. Over time, they have gotten smarter and found ways to bypass technology. As a result, there is a constant tug of war between hackers and cyber security technology vendors, each trying to conquer the rival. 

While you’re mitigating precarious cyberattacks, there might be an email or message in the end user’s inbox which seems innocuous; one wrong click and you are handing over all the crucial data to the dark web. 

Phishing is the most recurring cyber threat that targets the End-Users 

Phishing

How often have you received emails stating that you have won a free vacation or $1000,000? But the email reeks of fakeness, so you send it directly to spam or trash. Of course, amateurs send these, but most hackers are clever enough to send phishing emails that seem legitimate. Phishing happens when the victim responds to a fraudulent email that demands urgent action. Such as: Clicking a link, downloading an attachment, or sharing a password. Phishing has its variants, and cyber criminals use them according to the context.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing usually targets a specific individual. Therefore, the attack is well-planned before execution. The hacker conducts extensive research on his target and programs the attack in a way that would hold the target’s attention. This strain of phishing uses emails, social media, instant messaging, and other platforms to get users to reveal personal information or perform actions that cause network compromise, data loss, or financial loss. 

Whaling Attack

A whaling attack targets the company’s biggest bait, the chief executive officer or security officer. The top management is overworked and prone to frequent mistakes. They also have money, data, and authority: the three things cybercriminals want. Unlike regular phishing emails, Whaling emails are personalized and well-versed, using a tone that shows a solid understanding of business. The emails are difficult to decipher as their language and style make them more legitimate. They usually convey a sense of urgency, which forces the end user to take immediate action without much consideration. 

Angler Phishing

Angler Phishing is a relatively recent practice. This attack exists on social media; unlike traditional phishing involving emails, angler attacks use fake corporate social media accounts. In addition, hackers use domains that mimic legitimate sites and may pretend to be customer service representatives.

Imagine leaving a review on your favorite restaurant’s Facebook page about a mismanaged order, only to get in touch with a hacker who inquires about sensitive data,  such as the card used for the purchase, and BOOM! They have access to your bank account. 

Smishing 

Smishing is a distant cousin of Phishing, which moved from emails to text messages. Your anti-virus programs might protect against phishing emails, but you are more likely to receive a smishing text. In addition, the hacker might gain access to your account by sending a malicious link asking you to change your password immediately as your account is at risk or encouraging you to share the OTP and change the two-factor authentication. 

Vishing 

Vishing; is when you give voice to phishing. Vishing attacks are mostly performed over the phone and are deemed a type of social engineering attack. They use psychological tricks to propel the victims into handing over sensitive data or executing some activity on the attacker’s behalf. Hackers are likely to pretend that they are calling from the receiver’s bank and there’s an issue with the account or a payment made. They ask for login credentials to solve the problem. The most common vishing attacks include: 

1. Calls from the bank and credit card companies 
2. Calls from loan and investment programs 

Since phishing attacks are on a rise, an organization must implement technology controls to proactively stop phishing emails from entering the end-user mailboxes and, at the same time, focus on transforming end-user behavior.