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Learn about the dangers of spear-phishing attacks and how to avoid them.

In recent years, phishing has become one of the most common online threats, and no one is truly safe from it. Essentially, it is a strategy that involves impersonating an entity (your bank, for example) in order to obtain information, or, in most cases, money, from unsuspecting targets.

But the popularity of this type of cybercrime is so high that specific variations have emerged. This is the case with what is known as "spear phishing," a more dangerous tactic that experts themselves often warn against. We'll tell you why this attack is so concerning and what you need to know to be as prepared as possible. 

What is spear phishing, and how does it differ from regular phishing?

Currently, spear phishing is considered a more sophisticated and personalized form of phishing, experts warn. While traditional phishing sends emails almost randomly, hoping someone will "take the bait," spear phishing directly targets a group of people or even a specific individual, using their first and last name. 

Unfortunately, nowadays it's not difficult to find out a lot of personal details about someone. Practically anyone with an internet connection can find out your name, what you do, or even your hobbies just by looking at social networks like LinkedIn or Facebook. There's enough data available for cybercriminals to create what can only be called "on-demand scams." 

It's true that spear phishing is generally less common for purely practical reasons: it reduces the scope of the hackers' operations. However, when they do use it, it's far more dangerous, experts warn. 

For example, you might receive an email supposedly from a colleague or manager, containing intimate details known only to someone close to you. This increases the likelihood that you'll trust the message, consider it legitimate, and take the action attackers are looking for: opening a file, clicking a link, or providing sensitive information of any kind. 

How to avoid these types of scams

It's important to keep in mind that even if an email appears to be from someone you know, it's worth analyzing it carefully. Ask yourself questions like "Does it make sense that this person would send you this email?" Are the requests unusual? Attackers often use email addresses that look normal but may contain a character variant or an unusual domain.

If you also fall victim to this scam, don't waste a second. Change your passwords immediately, especially if you've provided any information. If necessary, don't hesitate to contact the authorities. As they say, prevention is better than a cure.