6 Phishing Tactics You Need to Know About (And How to Avoid Them)
Phishing is one of the oldest and most pervasive cyber threats, but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics—from emails to text messages to fake ads—to trick you into handing over sensitive information. And while phishing has been around since the late 1980s, it’s more sophisticated—and dangerous—than ever before.
Did you know?
The first phishing campaign was documented in 1987.
Phishing now happens via text, phone, ads, and email.
Small businesses are the biggest targets.
Ongoing security awareness training can reduce breaches by nearly 70%.
To help you stay one step ahead, we’ve compiled a list of 6 phishing tactics you need to know about. Learn how to spot them, avoid them, and protect yourself and your business.
1. Standard Phishing: Casting a Wide Net
This is the classic phishing tactic. Cybercriminals send mass emails pretending to be a trusted organization (like your bank or a popular service) in hopes that someone will fall for the scam and share sensitive information.
How to Avoid It: Always double-check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
2. Malware Phishing: Beware the Macros
These phishing emails include malicious attachments or links (often called “macros”) that, when clicked, infect your device with malware.
How to Avoid It: Never download attachments or click links from unknown senders.
3. Spear Phishing: Catching the Big One
Spear phishing targets high-value individuals, like CEOs or public figures, using personalized information to make the scam more convincing.
How to Avoid It: Be cautious of emails requesting sensitive information, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
4. Smishing: Just Don’t Click!
Smishing (SMS + phishing) uses text messages to trick you into clicking malicious links. With a 98% open rate, it’s one of the most effective phishing tactics.
How to Avoid It: Don’t click on links in texts from unknown numbers.
5. Search Engine Phishing: Careful What You Choose
Cybercriminals create fake websites and pay for ads to appear in search results. These sites often promise too-good-to-be-true deals or opportunities.
How to Avoid It: Stick to trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious ads.
6. Vishing: Keeping You on the Line
Vishing (voice + phishing) involves phone calls or voicemails from scammers pretending to be a reputable organization. They’ll ask for personal information or payment.
How to Avoid It: Hang up on suspicious calls and never share sensitive information over the phone.
Stay Tuned for Part 2
These six phishing tactics are just the beginning. In Part 2, we’ll dive into five more sophisticated phishing methods—including pharming, clone phishing, and business email compromise.
In the meantime, remember: the best defense against phishing is awareness. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and don’t let the scammers win.
