What is Whaling attacks? how to prevent them | SharkStriker
Whaling attacks are a kind of phishing attacks aimed towards the top management executives. Safeguard your email by double checking them for syntax, mail protection software etc.
A whaling attack, also known as a whaling phishing attack or a CEO fraud, is a highly targeted form of phishing attack that specifically targets high-profile individuals within an organization, such as executives, high-ranking officials, or other individuals with significant decision-making authority. The term "whaling" is used because the attackers are "harpooning" the "big fish" in the organization. In a whaling attack, the attacker typically poses as a trusted entity, often using email or other electronic communication methods, and attempts to deceive the target into taking a specific action. This action might involve providing sensitive information (such as login credentials or financial details), transferring funds, or clicking on a malicious link or attachment. Whaling attacks are particularly dangerous because the targets are usually individuals with access to sensitive information or the authority to carry out significant financial transactions. As a result, if a whaling attack is successful, it can lead to serious financial losses, data breaches, or other security incidents for the targeted organization. To mitigate the risk of whaling attacks, organizations often implement security measures such as multi-factor authentication, employee training and awareness programs, and email filtering systems that can help identify and block suspicious messages. It's also crucial for high-profile individuals to exercise caution when handling sensitive information and to verify any unusual requests, especially those related to financial transactions.
