Phishing

Introduction Phishing is a malicious Social Engineering technique used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals and organizations into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial data, or personal details. Phishing attacks often take the form of fraudulent emails, websites, or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources but are designed to trick recipients into taking harmful actions. Phishing attacks are a common and serious threat to cybersecurity. These attacks exploit human psychology and trust in familiar brands or institutions to manipulate victims into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise their security. Phishing can take various forms, including: Email Phishing: Cybercriminals send deceptive emails that appear to be from reputable organizations, asking recipients to click on links, download attachments, or enter sensitive information. Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations, often leveraging personal information to gain credibility. Smishing (SMS Phishing): Phishing attacks conducted through text messages or SMS, often directing recipients to click on malicious links or respond with sensitive information. Vishing (Voice Phishing): Cybercriminals use phone calls to impersonate trusted entities and manipulate victims into revealing confidential data.		Cybersecurity Tools Phishing Akamai - Secure Internet Access Enterprise Akamai MFA Analyze - Intezer AVG - AVG Antivirus Pro Barracuda - Email Protection BlueBox Broadcom PhishMe Cisco Talos Intelligence - Open Source Security Tools CyberGordon Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency - Anti-Phishing Training Program Support Federal Trade Comisson - OnGuard Online Federal Trade Commission - Phishing Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice - How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams Global Cyber Alliance - Phishing Overview Gophish - Open-Source Phishing Framework GOSINT Guardio - Guardio Identity Guard - Identity Guard James Brine Threat Intelligence Feeds KnowBe4 - PhishER KnowBe4 - PhishER Plus Malware Patrol Newly-Registered Domain Lists from Stamus Labs NormShield Services OpenPhish Feeds Phishing Army PhishTank Scam Advisor - Check a Website Secureworks PhishInSuits WSTNPHX Malware Email Addresses Category Antivirus & Anti-malware Software not found Security Awareness & Training Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission - Governance Toolkit - Cyber Security Barracuda - Email Protection Broadcom KnowBe4 Broadcom PhishMe Broadcom Security Awareness Training Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange - CCTX - Cyber security for kids - How parents can talk with their children Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange - CCTX - Cyber security for video game consoles Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange - CCTX - Keeping your passwords secure has never been easier! Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange - CCTX - Network cyber security - An introduction Chainalysis - Crypto Mixers and AML Compliance CISA - Cybersecurity Toolkit and Resources to Protect Elections CISA Cybersecurity Publications Consumer Reports - Spot Malicious Sites and Phishing Attempts Consumer Reports - Stick to Official App Stores CrowdStrike - CYBERSECURITY 101 - THE FUNDAMENTALS OF CYBERSECURITY Crystal - Crystal School of Crypto Compliace and Investigators Cyber Security Tools by SANS Instructors Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency - Downloading and Installing CSET Digital Transformation Hub - Best-Practice Cyber Security Governance Digital Transformation Hub - Cyber Security - What it is and Why it Matters Digital Transformation Hub - Making the Internet a Safe Place for All Digital Transformation Hub - More Cyber Security Resources Digital Transformation Hub - Why Cyber Security is so Important FBI - Safe Online Surfing Federal Trade Commission - Cybersecurity for Small Business Federal Trade Commission - Physical Security Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice - Cybersecurity Resources for Non-Profits Freedom of the Press Foundation - Your smartphone and you - A handbook to modern mobile maintenance Global Cyber Alliance - 2FA Global Cyber Alliance - Cybersecurity Toolkit for Elections IDCARE - Apps & Tools IDCARE - Apps - Tools INFOGUARD Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity Tips for Journalists International Center for Journalists - Strengthening Digital Security for Journalists and Civil Society Advocates in Latin America Internetmatters - Guide to Apps Internetmatters - My Family's Digital Toolkit Internetmatters - Online Safety Leaflets & Resources National Council of Nonprofits - Cybersecurity for Nonprofits National Council of Nonprofits - Protect the Future of Your Nonprofits Data National Cyber Security Centre - Cyber Security - Small Charity Guide National Cybersecurity Alliance - Career + Education Library National Cybersecurity Alliance - Online Safety - Privacy Basics- Resources & Guides NetApp - Backup and Recovery NetApp - What Is Backup and Recovery NordVPN - What are scam websites, and how can you tell if a page is fake PBS - Cyber Labs Right To Be - Cybersecurity Resources SecureTheVillage - Community Engagement Program Secureworks PhishInSuits Security First - Umbrella Simplilearn - Cyber Security Full Course - Cyber Security Training for Beginners in 2022 - Simplilearn SiteLock - Website Monitoring - Why It Is Important Splunk Training USCC - Cyber Quests VPN Ratings - VPN VPN Ratings - What is a VPN VPN Ratings - What is a VPN? Wipfli - Cybersecurity 101 - What does it Involve and What Should you Invest in Wipfli - How CEOs can be Proactive in Cybersecurity Wipfli - Investing in Cybersecurity Pays Dividends Wipfli - Multifactor Authentication - Why you Need it Now
Motives The motives behind phishing attacks can vary, but they often include: Financial Gain: Phishers may aim to steal banking credentials, credit card numbers, or conduct fraudulent transactions. Data Theft: Accessing sensitive data, such as corporate secrets or intellectual property, is a common objective. Identity Theft: Phishers may seek personal information for identity theft, leading to fraudulent activities on victims' behalf.	Prevention and Mitigation Preventing phishing attacks requires a combination of technical defenses and user awareness: Technical Defenses Email Filtering: Employing robust email filtering solutions to detect and quarantine phishing emails before they reach recipients' inboxes. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA): Implementing MFA adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. User Awareness Education and Training: Raising awareness and providing training to help individuals recognize phishing attempts and understand safe online practices. Suspicion and Vigilance: Encouraging users to be cautious and verify the authenticity of emails or messages, especially those requesting sensitive information or urgent actions.	Notable Incidents Several high-profile phishing incidents have had significant consequences, including data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage: Ubiquity Network social engineering attack (2015) - Scammers impersonated a senior member of Ubiquity Network, and an employee fell prey to the scam resulting in a loss of $46.7 million. Ukrainian power grid attack (2015) - The attackers sent a phishing email to employees of Kyivoblenergo, a Ukrainian electricity distribution company, containing a malicious attachment that gave the attackers access to the company's network; this caused a blackout affecting 225,000 customers. Sony Pictures hack (2014) - The attackers sent a phishing email to employees of Sony Pictures Entertainment containing a malicious link that when clicked, installed malware that gave the attackers access to Sony Pictures' network, allowing them to steal sensitive data, including unreleased movies and employee information. Target data breach (2013) - The attackers gained access to Target's network by sending phishing emails to employees of a third-party vendor through malicious links that installed malware. This allowed the attackers to steal credit and debit card information from over 40 million customers. RSA hack (2011) - The attackers send a phishing email to an employee of RSA containing a malicious link, which, when clicked, installed malware that gave the attackers access to RSA's network, allowing them to steal two-factor authentication tokens that could be used to access a wide range of systems and networks.
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