What type of threats does spear phishing primarily focus on?

Spear phishing primarily focuses on threats that are directed towards specific individuals or organizations. This type of cyber attack is highly targeted, meaning the attacker customizes the phishing attempt to a particular person or entity, often using personal information to make the message more convincing. The goal is to deceive the victim into providing confidential information, such as login credentials or financial details, by posing as a trusted source.

While general audience threats encompass a broader range of phishing attacks that appeal to a wide array of victims, spear phishing narrows its focus, which increases the likelihood of success. Physical security threats relate to actual physical harm or access to assets, and malware installation threats can be a part of a spear phishing attempt but do not define the core nature of spear phishing itself. Therefore, the specificity and targeting nature of spear phishing make it particularly dangerous and a significant concern for individuals and organizations alike.