Types of Phishing Attacks Explained

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A practical guide to how phishing really works today

Phishing is one of the oldest cyberattack techniques, but it remains one of the most effective. Despite better security tools and increased awareness, phishing continues to be the entry point for ransomware, data breaches, financial fraud, and account takeovers.

The reason is simple: phishing doesn’t attack systems first — it targets people.

This article breaks down the main types of phishing attacks, how they work, and why they continue to succeed. The goal isn’t fear, but clarity. Understanding the differences between phishing methods is the first step toward detecting and stopping them.

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a social engineering attack where attackers impersonate a trusted entity to trick victims into revealing sensitive information, clicking malicious links, or downloading harmful files.

Unlike technical exploits, phishing relies on:

• Urgency
• Familiarity
• Authority
• Human error

Over time, phishing has evolved into multiple forms, each designed to exploit different behaviors and environments.

1. Email Phishing (Bulk Phishing)

Email phishing is the most common and widely known form of phishing. These attacks are sent to large numbers of people at once, often using generic messaging.

How it works

Attackers send emails pretending to be:

• Banks
• Software providers
• Delivery companies
• Employers
• Cloud services (Microsoft, Google, Dropbox)

The message usually contains:

• A warning about account issues
• A request to “verify” information
• A fake invoice or receipt
• A link leading to a fake login page

Why it still works

• High volume increases success odds
• Many emails appear visually convincing
• Users often skim rather than verify

Even a low success rate becomes profitable at scale.

2. Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is a targeted version of phishing aimed at a specific individual or role.

Instead of generic messages, attackers research their victims using:

• LinkedIn
• Company websites
• Social media
• Data breaches

Common targets

• Employees with system access
• Finance teams
• HR personnel
• IT administrators

What makes it dangerous

• Messages feel personal and relevant
• Attackers reference real names, projects, or coworkers
• Victims are less likely to question legitimacy

Spear phishing is frequently used as the first step in larger attacks, including ransomware campaigns.

3. Whaling Attacks

Whaling is spear phishing aimed specifically at senior executives and decision-makers.

These attacks often impersonate:

• Board members
• CEOs
• Legal teams
• Financial institutions

Typical goals

• Wire transfer fraud
• Access to confidential documents
• Credential theft for high-level accounts

Because executives are often busy and accustomed to urgent requests, attackers use pressure and authority to bypass scrutiny.

4. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Business Email Compromise is one of the most financially damaging phishing attack types.

Unlike traditional phishing, BEC often involves:

• No malicious links
• No attachments
• Legitimate-looking email conversations

How BEC attacks work

Attackers either:

• Compromise a real email account, or
• Spoof an internal address

They then monitor conversations and insert payment or invoice requests at the right moment.

Impact

BEC attacks have caused billions in global losses, largely because they exploit trust within existing workflows.

5. Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Smishing uses text messages instead of email.

Messages often claim to be from:

• Banks
• Delivery services
• Government agencies
• Mobile providers

They usually contain:

• Shortened links
• Urgent language
• Account or delivery alerts

Mobile users are more likely to click links quickly, and SMS platforms provide fewer security warnings than email clients.

6. Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Vishing uses phone calls to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information.

Attackers may impersonate:

• IT support
• Banks
• Law enforcement
• Company executives

Modern vishing tactics

• Caller ID spoofing
• Scripted call centers
• AI-generated voice cloning

Vishing attacks are often combined with email or SMS phishing as part of multi-stage campaigns.

7. Clone Phishing

Clone phishing involves copying a legitimate email that the victim has already received.

Attackers:

• Duplicate the original message
• Replace links or attachments with malicious versions
• Claim the email is a “corrected” or “updated” version

Because the message looks familiar, victims are less likely to suspect it.

8. Credential Harvesting Attacks

These attacks focus specifically on stealing login credentials.

Victims are sent to:

• Fake Microsoft 365 login pages
• Fake Google sign-in screens
• Fake VPN or portal pages

Once credentials are entered, attackers can:

• Access email accounts
• Launch internal phishing campaigns
• Escalate access within the organization

Credential theft is often the gateway to deeper network compromise.

9. Malware-Based Phishing

Some phishing emails deliver malware through:

• Attachments
• Embedded links
• Download prompts

Common payloads include:

• Keyloggers
• Remote access trojans
• Ransomware loaders

These attacks don’t always require user credentials — a single click can be enough.

Why Phishing Continues to Succeed

Phishing works because it:

• Exploits trust, not technology
• Adapts quickly to defenses
• Uses real-world pressure and urgency
• Targets people, not systems

Even well-trained users can make mistakes under stress.

Final Thoughts

Phishing is not one attack — it’s an ecosystem of techniques designed to manipulate human behavior.

Understanding the different types of phishing attacks helps organizations:

• Train employees more effectively
• Recognize threats earlier
• Reduce the success rate of attacks

In the next guide, we’ll explore how phishing attacks are detected and what organizations can do to stop them before damage occurs.

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