Phishing

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that uses fraudulent emails or websites to trick users into divulging sensitive information or installing malware on their systems. Phishing attacks often use spoofed email addresses or websites that appear to be legitimate, such as those of banks or social media sites.

Subfields of Phishing

• Spear phishing: a targeted type of phishing attack that focuses on specific individuals or organizations, often by using personalized information, such as the victim's name or job title. Spear phishing attacks can be more effective than generic phishing attacks because they appear to be more credible and can bypass some security measures.
  
  
• Whaling: a type of phishing attack that targets high-level executives or other prominent individuals within an organization. Whaling attacks often use similar tactics to spear phishing but are more sophisticated and may involve more significant financial or reputational risks.
  
  
• Clone phishing: a type of phishing attack that involves creating a replica of a legitimate email or website and replacing legitimate links or attachments with malicious ones. Clone phishing attacks can be difficult to detect because they appear to be legitimate and may even contain the victim's previous email conversations.
  
  
• Smishing: a type of phishing attack that uses text messages or SMS messages instead of email or websites. Smishing attacks often use social engineering tactics to trick victims into responding with sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
  
  
• Vishing: a type of phishing attack that uses voice messages or phone calls instead of email or websites. Vishing attacks often use social engineering tactics, such as posing as a legitimate company representative or law enforcement officer, to trick victims into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions.
  
  

History of Phishing

The term 'phishing' was coined in the mid-1990s by hackers who were stealing America Online (AOL) accounts and passwords. In the early 2000s, phishing attacks became more widespread and targeted major financial institutions and online retailers, such as eBay and PayPal.

Some of the most infamous phishing attacks include the 2003 'Rock Phish' attacks, which targeted major banks and financial institutions, and the 2009 'Aurora' attacks, which targeted Google and other high-profile companies.

Phishing Detection and Prevention Software

• PhishTank: a free community-driven service that helps individuals and organizations detect and block phishing attacks.
  
  
• Microsoft Defender for Office 365: a cloud-based email filtering service that uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect and block phishing attacks.
  
  
• Proofpoint: a cybersecurity company that offers a range of products and services to help organizations detect and prevent phishing attacks.
  
  
• Barracuda: a cybersecurity company that offers a range of products and services to help organizations detect and prevent phishing attacks, including email security solutions.
  
  
• Rock Phish: a notorious phishing gang that was active from 2004 to 2008 and responsible for a large number of phishing attacks against financial institutions and other organizations.
  
  
• Operation Phish Phry: an international law enforcement operation that took down a phishing ring responsible for stealing more than $1.5 million from bank accounts in the United States. The operation involved cooperation between the FBI, the UK's Metropolitan Police Service, and the Egyptian National Police.
  
  

Phishing attacks continue to be a significant threat to individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated in their tactics, it is essential to stay vigilant and take steps to protect yourself against these types of attacks. Some of these steps include being cautious of unsolicited emails or messages, verifying the sender's identity, and avoiding clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. By being aware of the dangers of phishing and taking proactive measures to prevent it, you can help protect your personal information and avoid falling victim to these types of attacks.

Phishing on the Dark Web/Onion Websites

Phishing attacks are not limited to traditional websites and emails. Cybercriminals operating on the dark web and onion websites may use phishing tactics to steal personal information and credentials from unsuspecting victims. These attacks can take many forms, such as fake login pages for popular websites or even fraudulent marketplaces where buyers are encouraged to enter their sensitive information.

Phishing attacks on the dark web and onion websites can be particularly dangerous, as victims may be less likely to suspect foul play due to the perceived anonymity of these sites. As such, it is essential to be extra cautious when using these websites and to verify the legitimacy of any requests for personal information or login credentials.

Phishing Techniques

Phishing techniques are methods used by attackers to deceive and manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information or taking certain actions. Here are some common phishing techniques:

• Email phishing: This is the most common type of phishing attack, where attackers send fraudulent emails that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or social media site, to trick users into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
  
  
• Spear phishing: A targeted form of phishing, where attackers send personalized emails to specific individuals or organizations, often using information obtained from social media profiles or other online sources.
  
  
• Whaling: A type of spear phishing attack that targets high-level executives or other prominent individuals within an organization, with the goal of gaining access to sensitive information or financial assets.
  
  
• Clone phishing: A technique where attackers create a replica of a legitimate email or website and replace legitimate links or attachments with malicious ones.
  
  
• Vishing: A type of phishing attack that uses voice messages or phone calls instead of email, where attackers use social engineering tactics, such as posing as a legitimate company representative or law enforcement officer, to trick victims into divulging sensitive information.
  
  
• Smishing: A type of phishing attack that uses text messages or SMS messages instead of email, where attackers use social engineering tactics to trick victims into responding with sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
  
  

Software used in Phishing

• BlackEye - A tool that allows attackers to create custom phishing pages and host them on their own servers.
  
  
• Modlishka - A reverse proxy tool that can be used to intercept and modify user requests, allowing attackers to steal login credentials and other sensitive information.
  
  
• SET (Social Engineering Toolkit) - An open-source Python tool that enables attackers to automate and customize social engineering attacks, including phishing.
  
  
• Gophish - A phishing simulation and training tool that can be used by organizations to test and improve their employees' awareness of phishing threats.
  
  
• Evilginx2 - A tool that can be used to intercept and steal login credentials by creating a realistic-looking phishing page that captures victims' information.
  
  

Phishing is a serious threat to individuals, organizations, and even nations. With the increasing reliance on technology and the internet, phishing attacks have become more sophisticated, and it has become easier for attackers to trick users into divulging sensitive information or installing malware on their systems.

It is essential to stay aware of the potential risks of phishing attacks and take necessary measures to protect yourself from them. Some of the most effective ways to prevent falling victim to phishing attacks include staying vigilant, using strong and unique passwords, being cautious about clicking links or downloading attachments, and keeping your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches.

Remember that phishing attacks are illegal, and the consequences of engaging in these activities can be severe. It is important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from the harmful effects of phishing attacks.

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