What is spear phishing and how does it impact individuals and organizations?

What is spear phishing and how does it differ from regular phishing?

Spear phishing is a targeted attempt to steal sensitive information from a specific individual or organization, often using personalized information. Unlike regular phishing, which casts a wide net, spear phishing is more focused and sophisticated.

What are some common tactics used in spear phishing attacks?

Common tactics include using social engineering to create a sense of urgency, impersonating trusted contacts, and crafting emails that appear legitimate.

What impact can spear phishing have on an organization?

The impact can be severe, including financial loss, data breaches, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

How can individuals and organizations protect themselves from spear phishing?

They can implement security awareness training, use multi-factor authentication, and regularly update their security protocols.