Company
Date Published
Author
Courtney Rogin
Word count
1596
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Whale phishing, also known as CEO fraud, is a sophisticated type of phishing that targets individuals by impersonating high-profile executives through emails, text messages, or voice messages. Unlike generic phishing, which casts a wide net, whale phishing requires extensive research to convincingly mimic an executive's communication style, often leading to urgent requests for sensitive information or financial transactions. The text highlights the necessity for organizations to increase awareness and education about these attacks, implement verification and approval processes, and use secure email software to prevent such attacks. Real-life examples, such as attacks on Snap and ZScaler, illustrate the potential damage of successful whale phishing, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and robust security measures in mitigating risks.