Types of Phishing: See How Your Business May Be Vulnerable

Unfortunately, when it comes to the digital world, there are many ways to be vulnerable. From the possibility of data leaks to fraud and theft, the truth is that no one is safe. Companies, therefore, need to be careful, especially with the possibility of exposure to various types of phishing.

This cybercrime is quite common and companies don't usually pay enough attention to it. It's also common to believe that only consumers are subject to these attacks , but it's a type of fraud that also affects companies. Below, we'll show you everything you need to understand about phishing. Check it out!

What is phishing?

Phishing is a type of scam in which the goal is to steal users' personal information — data such as name, document number, passwords and other codes. The term comes from English and can be translated as fishing or hooking.

Its main difference from other scams is that it tries to deceive the victim into believing that they need to get in touch and provide their information. For example, it is very common for the victim to receive a fake email asking them to click on a link and then fill out a form.

What are the main types of phishing?

The interesting thing is that phishing is not just one type of scam. There are different ways to commit this crime, and we have listed the main ones.

Spear phishing

This is a type of phishing that has a very unique characteristic — it is targeted at a specific person or group of people. In this sense, it is common for criminals to access specific databases and try to obtain information.

For example, in a company, they might look for data from the financial system. Interestingly, its name comes from the idea of ​​fishing with a spear, allowing you to select a specific species of fish.

Whaling

This is a type of phishing that also has a specific target. Those who carry out this scam are targeting businesspeople and executives in strategic business sectors, with the aim of obtaining confidential information. In fact, the word “whaling” can be translated as whale hunting — one of the largest aquatic animals in the world.

An example of whaling is an executive who receives a message indicating that his business is undergoing legal proceedings. To learn more, he needs to click on a link or access a page.

Vishing

This is a type of phishing that is different from a specific victim. In vishing, criminals use voice mechanisms to lure users, usually a phone call.

In this contact, the criminal expresses a tone of urgency in order to get the victim to provide their information. It is very common, in fact, for the criminal to already have some of the person's information to give the impression of veracity.

Pharming

This attacks both the user and the company. Criminals create a copy of the company's website with the intention of making the victim either provide their information or download malicious software.

Additionally, criminals are able to manipulate traffic to the real website so that consumers are automatically redirected to the fake address.

Scam

The scam is one of the most common phishing scams, and its main form of contact with users is via email, but it can also be via social media and, in some cases, by telephone.

The idea is that, through fake messages that appear to be issued by banks, telephone operators or government agencies, criminals trick users into clicking on a malicious link or attached file.

Why is it important to protect yourself?

Phishing has different ways of reaching users, and one of its biggest risks is how it exposes important confidential data to criminals.

Investing in measures to protect against this type of cyber attack is a way for companies to maintain the security of their data and that of their customers. This way, they can remain relevant in the market in a positive way.

How can phishing affect a brand's reputation?

It is clear that a company that does not take care of the security of its customers' data will have to face many problems. The legal issue is one, even more so in USA, with the LGPD , not to mention the damaged reputation.

To the public, the company will project an untrustworthy image. Not to mention the inability to provide security to its consumers, since it cannot protect their data. In the long term, the company will tend to become tarnished in the market and lose its old customers, as well as being unable to attract new ones.