6 Common Types of Phishing Attacks

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This week, I focused on learning about phishing attacks, and it opened my eyes to just how sneaky and dangerous they can be. Phishing isn’t just one thing.  There are several different forms that cybercriminals use to trick people. Here are the most common types I discovered, and how to recognize them: 

🎣 1. Email Phishing

The most common type. Scammers send fake emails that look like they’re from trusted companies, trying to get you to click a malicious link or enter your login info.
🛑 Example: “Your bank account is locked. Click here to fix it.”

🎯 2. Spear Phishing

More personalized and targeted. These emails use your name, job, or other details to look more believable.
🛑 Example: “Hi please review this document for your class project.”

🐋 3. Whaling

Aimed at “big fish” like company executives or managers. These attacks often involve fake invoices or urgent business requests.
🛑 Example: “Urgent from CEO: Send payment to this vendor immediately.”

📱 4. Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Phishing through text messages. These often look like alerts from banks, delivery services, or government agencies.
🛑 Example: “Your package is delayed. Click here to reschedule delivery.”

📞 5. Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Scammers call you pretending to be tech support, the IRS, or your bank. They try to get passwords, credit card numbers, or remote access to your device.
🛑 Example: “We’ve detected malware on your computer. Let us help.”

🌐 6. Pharming

Instead of sending messages, this attack redirects you to fake websites that look real like a fake login page to steal your credentials.
🛑 Example: You think you're logging into your bank’s site, but it’s a fake copy.

After learning about these, I’ve become much more careful online. Now I always:
✅ Double-check email addresses
✅ Hover over links before clicking
✅ Avoid sharing personal info by text or call
✅ Use multi-factor authentication 

Phishing can happen to anyone but the more we know, the better we can protect ourselves! 🛡️✨

🔗 Source: Understanding Phishing Attacks – DataPerk

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