Spear phishing is a targeted type of phishing email in which a cybercriminal tricks a specific person or organization into giving away sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, or login tokens. It’s called spear phishing because bad actors aim directly at one target, like a spear going after a single fish, versus casting a wide net.

Why it Matters

Companies and individuals may be targeted for their assets, intellectual property, or even trusted relationships with consumers or other companies. You might be a target for spear phishing even if you are not in a high-level role or have access to sensitive information.

It’s Personal

Unlike regular phishing, which targets many people with a generic message, spear phishing is personal. The attacker might know details about you, such as what your company does, your role, websites you might be using, or something you posted online, such as travel plans or recent work activity, making their message seem more believable.

Motives

Spear phishing is a method of stealing important information like passwords or bank details. It is often used for financial gain, surveillance, or to break into a bigger system by fooling someone who has access.

Bypassing Protection

Spear phishing messages can point to customized landing pages configured to collect your credentials and multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes through a technique called Adversary-in-the-Middle (AiTM). Even tech-savvy people fall for these scams every day. All it takes is one click.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

Hackers often prepare for spear phishing attacks using open-source intelligence (OSINT) to gather information from public sources like your company website, social media, and data from previous breaches. For example, if an e-commerce site you shop at is breached, a hacker might learn you’ve made 10 purchases. They could send you a fake email about one of your orders to trick you into clicking a malicious link.

Fake Landing Pages and Spoofed Sites

Some phishing emails contain links to spoofed websites. These fake sites look just like the real thing, whether it’s your company login page or a popular service like Google or Microsoft. Bad actors also use a tactic called “Living Off Trusted Sites” (LOTS), which lowers your defenses before redirecting you to a malicious website or download.

Living Off Trusted Sites (LOTS)

LOTS, or Living Off Trusted Sites, is the practice of using legitimate websites for malicious activities to evade detection. Potential threats include receiving a document from a legitimate document-sharing or e-signature website that directs you to a phishing site or a malicious download. Always be cautious of links and URLs, even if they appear in documents that seem trustworthy.

Exploiting Site Credibility

Bad actors exploit the credibility of trusted sites to conduct phishing attacks and host malware. Popular platforms such as DocuSign, Canva, Microsoft, and Google Drive are often used in these attacks to avoid being flagged.

How to Spot a Spear Phish

Unexpected Emails / Suspicious Redirects / Watch for Urgency / Unexpected Attachments

If an email shows up out of the blue, especially one asking you to click a link, open an attachment, or share sensitive information, pause and take a closer look. Spear phishers often rely on surprise to catch you off guard.

What You Can Do

Stay Aware / Ignore unexpected emails / Verify before you trust / Think before you share / Protect your privacy / Clean up your digital footprint

Hackers target people at all levels, not just CEOs. You could be a target if you have access to systems, files, or accounts.

Staying safe involves managing your digital footprint and privacy settings. Anyone, not just high-level employees, can be a target, so proactive habits are key.

Personalized Attacks

Spear phishing is targeted and uses personal information to create convincing messages, making it essential to be cautious about the details you share online.

Beware of Fake Websites

Always verify URLs before clicking or entering credentials. Spear phishers often direct you to fraudulent login pages designed to steal your information.

Practice Digital Caution

Enhance your online security by using strong privacy settings, reducing your digital footprint, and taking a moment to think before clicking on unknown links or interacting with untrusted websites.

Your Role

Stay alert and cautious. Whether it’s a clever email from a “colleague” or a fake website that looks just right, always think before you click or interact. If something feels off, don’t keep it to yourself. Report the email or ask your IT/security team to take a look. You’re the first line of defence.

Thank you for reading this article from NSSL. Your security is our priority, and our experts are always here to help you navigate the digital landscape safely. If you have questions, concerns, or want to learn more about protecting your business, don’t hesitate to reach out.

• Contact our team for a personalised consultation
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Ready to take the next step in safeguarding your digital world? Contact NSSL today and let’s build a safer future together.

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