What is a spear phishing attack?

A spear phishing attack is characterized as a targeted attempt to steal sensitive information. Unlike general phishing attacks, which cast a wide net by sending out mass emails to an extensive list and hoping to catch a few victims, spear phishing is much more precise. Attackers research their targets—often individuals in specific organizations—and tailor their messages to make them seem legitimate and relevant.

This personalization increases the likelihood that the targeted individuals will click on malicious links or provide sensitive information, as the attackers leverage information that makes their requests appear credible. By focusing on specific individuals or organizations, spear phishing represents a more sophisticated and dangerous form of cyber threat, given that it can lead to significant breaches of confidential data or unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.