What does "spear phishing" refer to?

Spear phishing refers to a targeted email attack on specific individuals. This type of attack is characterized by its focus on a particular person or organization, often utilizing personal information to make the deceptive email more convincing. The attackers typically research their targets in advance, gathering details such as names, positions, and associations to craft messages that appear legitimate and relevant. This level of personalization increases the likelihood that the targeted individual will fall for the scam, as it often leverages trust or urgency.

In contrast, a generic phishing attack targets a broad audience without tailoring the message for any individual, making it less effective. Other forms of phishing, such as those leveraging social media platforms, focus on exploiting those specific channels but do not represent the targeted approach inherent in spear phishing. Additionally, a defense mechanism against phishing is a strategy or tool used to protect against these attacks rather than a type of attack itself. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the various ways cyber threats can manifest and the importance of cybersecurity awareness.