What is spear phishing?

In today’s interconnected world cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. One such advanced threat is spear phishing. Spear phishing is a targeted attack in which deceptive emails appear from trusted sources tricking users into revealing sensitive information, transferring funds or taking risky actions they wouldn’t normally consider.

But how can we protect ourselves and our organisation from these attacks? Meet Linda the finance director at a manufacturing company. She’s about to encounter a sophisticated spear phishing attempt. Let’s see how she handles it. While wrapping up her work, Linda receives an urgent email from the CEO requesting a confidential funds transfer to secure a critical partnership. The email references specific projects and includes personal details that only someone inside the company would know. At first glance the email seems legitimate but Linda notices something off: The sender’s email address is slightly misspelt. She remembers that even familiar emails can be fake. Trusting her instincts she decides to verify the request. Linda calls the CEO directly who confirms he never requested any funds transfer. By verifying the request, Linda uncovers a spear fishing attempt. She promptly reports the incident to the cybersecurity team helping to protect the company from a potential security breach.

Remember these crucial steps to protect yourself and your company! Be cautious of unexpected requests, especially those involving sensitive or financial information. Check the sender’s email address for small discrepancies. Confirm urgent requests through official channels like a direct call or an in-person conversation. Report any suspicious emails to your IT or security department immediately. Your vigilance is vital in preventing scams and protecting your organisation!