Guide: Whaling and its Importance

What is Whaling?
Whaling is a specific type of social engineering attack that primarily targets high-level employees, hence the 'big fish' analogy. It involves tricking the target into revealing sensitive information or perform actions that may lead to financial loss or data breach.

Why is it important?
Whaling attacks are highly sophisticated and extremely hard to spot which makes them very dangerous. They can lead to massive monetary losses, severe damage to the company's reputation, and potential legal consequences.

How it works?
Whaling attacks usually start with extensive research on the targeted individual. The attacker then impersonates a trusted entity (like a senior executive or a client) to trick the target. The methods used may include phishing emails, bogus websites, or even phone calls.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Whaling
1. Understand the concept: Remember that whaling is an elevated form of phishing targeted at high-level executives.
2. Know the process: Be familiar with how a whaling attack is conducted, from targeting to execution.
3. Consider preventive measures: Think of the possible measures a company can take to prevent whaling attacks, such as educating employees and implementing strict security protocols.