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Spear Phishing and Phishing: Understanding the Difference

StrongDM Team
Written by
Zero Trust Privileged Access Management (PAM)
Fazila Malik
Reviewed by
Sales Enablement Manager
Last updated on: June 28, 2023

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In today's digital age, many individuals and organizations rely on technology for communication, transactions, and data storage. However, with this reliance comes the risk of cyber attacks such as phishing and spear phishing. While these two terms may seem interchangeable, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart from each other.

Defining Phishing and Spear Phishing

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that involves sending fraudulent emails to individuals or organizations. These emails typically appear to be from a reputable source, such as a bank or online retailer, and prompt the recipient to provide sensitive information such as login credentials or financial details.

The most common type of phishing attack is a generic, mass email that is sent out to a large number of people in the hopes that some will fall for the scam. These emails often contain urgent language and a sense of urgency to prompt the recipient to act quickly without thinking.

Phishing attacks can also take the form of fake websites or pop-up messages that prompt the user to enter sensitive information. These attacks can be particularly dangerous because they can appear to be legitimate and are often difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

What is Spear Phishing?

Spear phishing, on the other hand, is a more targeted form of phishing that involves researching and gathering information about a specific individual or organization. The attacker uses this information to create a personalized email that appears to be from a trusted source, such as a colleague or supervisor, in order to trick the recipient into divulging sensitive information or downloading malicious software.

Spear phishing attacks are often more sophisticated and difficult to detect than generic phishing attacks. The attacker may use information obtained from social media profiles, company websites, or other sources to craft an email that appears to be legitimate and relevant to the recipient.

Spear phishing attacks can also be highly targeted, focusing on specific individuals or departments within an organization. For example, an attacker may target the finance department with a fake email from a senior executive requesting a wire transfer.

It is important to be vigilant and cautious when receiving any email that asks for sensitive information or requires immediate action. Always verify the sender's identity and double-check the URL of any website before entering any personal information.

Key Differences Between Phishing and Spear Phishing

Targeting Specific Individuals or Organizations

The main difference between phishing and spear phishing is the level of targeting involved. Phishing attacks are typically sent out en masse to a large number of recipients, while spear phishing is aimed at a specific individual or organization. This targeted approach enables the attacker to create a more convincing email by using personalized information that increases the likelihood of success.

For example, a phishing email might be sent out to thousands of people claiming to be from a well-known bank, asking them to update their account information. The email might contain a link that takes the user to a fake website, where they are prompted to enter their login credentials. In contrast, a spear phishing email might be sent to a specific employee at a company, claiming to be from their CEO and asking them to transfer funds to a specific account. The email might contain details about the company's recent activities or upcoming projects, making it appear more legitimate.

Level of Personalization

Another key difference between these two types of attacks is the level of personalization involved. Phishing emails are often generic and aimed at a broad audience, while spear phishing emails can be highly customized to suit the recipient's specific circumstances. By using personal details such as the recipient's name, job title, or recent activities, the attacker can make the email appear more legitimate and convincing.

For example, a phishing email might start with a generic greeting such as "Dear valued customer," while a spear phishing email might use the recipient's name and job title, such as "Dear John Smith, CFO of ABC Company." The email might also reference recent activities or projects that the recipient has been involved in, making it appear more relevant and convincing.

Complexity and Effort Involved

Due to the targeted and personalized approach of spear phishing, these attacks tend to be more complex and require more effort to execute. The attacker must research the target, gather information, and create a convincing email that appears to be from a trusted source. In contrast, phishing attacks can be relatively simple and require little effort to create a generic email that appears credible enough to trick a large number of recipients.

However, the potential payoff for a successful spear phishing attack can be much higher than for a phishing attack. By targeting a specific individual or organization, the attacker may be able to gain access to sensitive information such as login credentials, financial data, or intellectual property. This can result in significant financial losses or reputational damage for the target.

Common Techniques Used in Phishing and Spear Phishing

Deceptive Emails and Websites

Both phishing and spear phishing attacks often involve the use of deceptive emails and websites that are designed to trick the recipient into divulging sensitive information. These may include fake login pages, fraudulent surveys, or requests for personal details that appear to be from a legitimate source. These deceptive techniques rely on the recipient's trust and gullibility to be effective.

One common example of a phishing email is a fake login page for a popular website, such as a social media platform or online banking service. The email may claim that the recipient's account has been compromised and that they need to urgently update their login details to avoid being locked out. The link in the email takes the recipient to a fake login page that looks identical to the legitimate one, but is actually controlled by the attacker. When the recipient enters their login details, the attacker can then use this information to gain access to their account.

Spear phishing attacks may use similar tactics, but are often more targeted and personalised. For example, an attacker may research their target online to find out their interests, hobbies, or job role, and then create a fake email or website that appears to be related to these topics. This increases the likelihood that the recipient will trust the message and be more likely to divulge sensitive information.

Social Engineering Tactics

Phishing and spear phishing attacks also involve the use of social engineering tactics to manipulate the recipient's behaviour. These may include creating a sense of urgency or fear, offering fake incentives, or posing as a trusted authority figure. By exploiting the recipient's emotions and cognitive biases, the attacker can increase the likelihood of success.

For example, a phishing email may claim that the recipient's account has been hacked and that urgent action is required to prevent further damage. The email may also claim that the recipient will receive a reward or bonus for taking action quickly. This creates a sense of urgency and incentivises the recipient to click on the link or download the attachment without thinking through the potential risks.

Spear phishing attacks may use more sophisticated social engineering tactics, such as posing as a senior executive within the target's organisation. The attacker may send an email requesting that the recipient transfer funds to a specific account or download a file containing sensitive information. By posing as a trusted authority figure, the attacker can increase the likelihood that the recipient will comply with the request.

Malware and Exploits

Finally, both types of attacks may involve the use of malware and exploits to gain access to sensitive information or control the recipient's device. For example, a phishing email may contain a malicious attachment or link that downloads malware onto the recipient's device. Similarly, a spear phishing email may exploit a vulnerability in the recipient's system to gain access to sensitive information or control the device remotely.

Malware can take many forms, including viruses, trojans, and ransomware. Once installed on the recipient's device, the attacker can use the malware to steal sensitive information, monitor the recipient's activity, or even take control of the device remotely.

Exploits are another common technique used in phishing and spear phishing attacks. These are vulnerabilities in software or systems that can be exploited by an attacker to gain access to sensitive information or control the device. For example, a spear phishing email may contain a link to a website that exploits a vulnerability in the recipient's web browser, allowing the attacker to gain access to their device and steal sensitive information.

Real-Life Examples of Phishing and Spear Phishing Attacks

Phishing Attack on a Major Bank

In 2016, numerous customers of a major bank in the US fell victim to a phishing attack that involved fraudulent emails requesting their login credentials. The emails appeared to be from the bank's customer service department and included a link to a fake login page. As a result, many customers unknowingly provided their login credentials to the attacker, who used them to steal money from their accounts.

Spear Phishing Attack on a High-Profile Individual

In 2018, a high-profile individual in the entertainment industry fell victim to a spear phishing attack that involved a personalized email from their business manager. The email requested that the individual wire money to a vendor, but the bank details provided were fraudulent. As a result, the individual lost a significant amount of money before realizing that they had been targeted by a sophisticated scam.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Organization

Implementing Security Measures

The first step in protecting yourself and your organization from phishing and spear phishing attacks is to implement appropriate security measures. This may include using anti-virus software, firewalls, and spam filters to detect and prevent malicious emails and websites from infiltrating your system. Additionally, regularly updating software and patches to fix vulnerabilities can help protect against attacks that exploit known weaknesses.

Educating Employees and Raising Awareness

Another important step is to educate employees about the risks and warning signs of phishing and spear phishing attacks. This may include providing training and resources to help employees recognize suspicious emails and websites, as well as reminding them to be cautious when providing sensitive information or clicking on links. By raising awareness and promoting best practices, employees can become a crucial line of defence against cyber attacks.

Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity

Finally, it is important to recognize and report suspicious activity as soon as possible to prevent further damage. This may include reporting suspicious emails or websites to your IT department or security team, as well as monitoring your accounts and devices for unusual activity. Taking swift action and reporting any potential breaches can help minimize the impact of a cyber attack and prevent future attacks from occurring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, phishing and spear phishing attacks pose a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. By understanding the key differences between these two types of attacks and implementing appropriate security measures, educating employees, and promoting best practices, you can help protect yourself and your organization from the risk of cyber attacks.


About the Author

, Zero Trust Privileged Access Management (PAM), the StrongDM team is building and delivering a Zero Trust Privileged Access Management (PAM), which delivers unparalleled precision in dynamic privileged action control for any type of infrastructure. The frustration-free access stops unsanctioned actions while ensuring continuous compliance.

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Understanding the Difference Between CRUD and REST

In the world of web development, CRUD and REST are two terms that are frequently used, but often misunderstood. While both are important and have their...

United Healthcare Data Breach Explained (How to Prevent It)

On February 21, 2024, United Healthcare was hacked in a ransomware data breach that impacted its Change Healthcare (CHC) unit. The data breach affected...

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Vulnerability Management

Vulnerability management (VM) is the proactive, cyclical practice of identifying and fixing security gaps. It typically leverages scanning software to...

Vulnerability Management Lifecycle

What is a Vulnerability Management Lifecycle? The vulnerability management lifecycle involves continuous monitoring and assessment of systems, regular...

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WebAuthn

WebAuthn is the API standard that allows servers, applications, websites, and other systems to manage and verify registered users with passwordless...

What is a Human Firewall? Definition, Examples & More

A human firewall refers to employees trained to recognize and prevent cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and malware. By fostering cybersecurity...

What Is a Policy Administration Point (PAP)?

A Policy Administration Point (PAP) is a crucial component in access control systems, responsible for defining and managing policies that regulate user...

What Is a Policy Enforcement Point (PEP)?

A Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) is a component in a security framework that enforces access control policies. It regulates and monitors access to...

What Is a Policy Engine?

A policy engine is a software component that allows an organization to manage, enforce, and audit rules across their system. It is designed to provide a...

What Is a Policy Information Point (PIP)?

A Policy Enforcement Point (PEP) is a component in a security framework that enforces access control policies. It regulates and monitors access to...

What is Access Discovery?

Access Discovery is the process of identifying and verifying available pathways to digital resources or information within a system or network. It...

What Is Active Directory (AD) Bridging?

Active Directory (AD) bridging lets users log into non-Windows systems with their Microsoft Active Directory account credentials. This extends AD benefits...

What Is an Open Policy Agent (OPA)?

Open Policy Agent (OPA) is an open-source, general-purpose policy engine that enables policy-as-code across diverse software stacks. It provides a unified...

What Is Continuous Authorization?

Continuous Authorization is a security concept ensuring ongoing validation of users' access rights within a system. Employing real-time session monitoring...

What is Continuous Monitoring?

What is Continuous Monitoring? Continuous monitoring is a systematic and ongoing process that uses automated tools and technologies to monitor the...

What is Customer Identity Access Management (CIAM)?

Customer Identity Access Management (CIAM) is a specialized branch of identity and access management designed to facilitate secure and seamless customer...

What is Cyber Threat Hunting?

Threat hunting is the cyber defense practice of proactively searching for threats within a network. Threat hunters look for threats that may have evaded...

What is Deprovisioning?

Deprovisioning removes the access rights and deletes the accounts associated with a user on a network. When an organization offboards an individual, it’s...

What Is Disaster Recovery Policy (DRP)?

Disaster Recovery Policy is a strategic framework outlining procedures and resources to swiftly restore essential business functions after a disruptive...

What Is eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML)?

eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML) is a standard for specifying and exchanging access control policies in computer systems. It provides a...

What Is Fine-Grain Access Controls?

Fine-grain access controls are a type of access control that enables granular access to systems, applications, and data. Access is based on specific...

What Is Group-Based Access Control (GBAC)?

Group-Based Access Control (GBAC) is a security model that regulates access to resources by assigning permissions based on user group membership. It...

What Is Identity Fabric?

Identity Fabric refers to an integrated set of identity and access management services that provide seamless and secure user access across a diverse range...

What Is NoSQL Injection? Examples, Prevention, and More

What is NoSQL Injection? NoSQL Injection is a type of injection attack that exploits vulnerabilities in NoSQL databases by injecting malicious code into...

What is OTP? One-Time Password Explained

A One-Time Password (OTP) is a security feature that generates a unique, temporary password for a single transaction or login session. Unlike static...

What Is Policy-as-Code? Tools, Examples, Implementation

Policy-as-Code refers to the practice of managing and implementing policy decisions through code, making them enforceable and verifiable within IT...

What Is Privileged Identity Management (PIM)?

Privileged identity management is the process companies use to manage which privileged users—including human users and machine users—have access to which...

What is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)?

What is Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)? Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows users to remotely...

What Is Segregation of Duties (SoD)?

Segregation of Duties (SoD) is a risk management principle that ensures critical tasks are divided among different individuals to prevent conflicts of...

What is Vendor Privileged Access Management (VPAM)?

Vendor Privileged Access Management (VPAM) is a cybersecurity strategy that focuses on controlling and securing third-party access to an organization's...

What Is Zero Trust Data Protection?

Zero Trust Data Protection is a security framework that assumes no inherent trust, requiring verification from anyone trying to access data, regardless of...

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X11 Forwarding: What Is It, Why Use It, How to Set It Up

X11 Forwarding is a feature of the X Window System that allows a user to run graphical applications on a remote server while displaying them locally. This...

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Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a modern security model founded on the design principle “Never trust, always verify.” It requires all devices and users, regardless of...

Zero Trust vs. the Principle of Least Privilege: What's the Differences?

As cyber attacks become more advanced and frequent, organizations are realizing the importance of enhancing their cybersecurity strategies. Two approaches...

Zombie Accounts

Zombie accounts: forgotten accounts that open the door to bad actors looking to insert malware, steal data, and damage your internal systems.

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