What type of phishing is known as “spear phishing”?

Spear phishing refers to highly targeted phishing attacks that are aimed at specific individuals or organizations. Unlike general phishing attempts that cast a wide net to capture as many victims as possible, spear phishing is personalized and often comes with detailed information about the target. This could include the person's name, job title, and context that make the attack seem legitimate, increasing the chances that the victim will be deceived.

Attackers use social engineering tactics to create messages that appear credible, often imitating a trusted source within the target's company or a known contact. This tailored approach makes spear phishing particularly dangerous, as it can bypass the usual skepticism that people might have towards unsolicited emails. Understanding this distinction between spear phishing and broader phishing tactics is crucial in recognizing the specific threats posed and in implementing effective security measures.