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10th September 2024 (12 Topics)

Whale Phishing Scam

Context

A recent cyber fraud incident has highlighted the dangers of whale phishing attacks. The HR manager of a US-based IT company was deceived into purchasing Apple gift cards worth Rs 10 lakh. The scam was orchestrated by cybercriminals posing as the company’s CEO.

What is Whale Phishing?

  • Whale phishing, or whaling, is a type of phishing attack targeting high-profile individuals. The term "whale" refers to these prominent targets due to their significant potential for financial gain.
  • Attack Characteristics:
    • Personalized Attacks: Scammers create convincing and tailored messages or emails, often based on detailed research about the target’s role and business operations.
    • Impersonation: Attackers pose as trusted figures within the organization to increase the credibility of their requests.
    • Urgency and Pressure: The scam typically involves urgent and high-pressure tactics to force the target into making quick decisions.
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