Phishing is a cyber attack where hackers impersonate trusted entities to trick individuals into providing sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data. Attackers often use emails, fake websites, or messages that appear legitimate to lure victims into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments. Phishing can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and data breaches. Spear phishing targets specific individuals, while whaling focuses on high-profile victims like executives. To prevent phishing attacks, users should verify sources, avoid clicking suspicious links, and enable multi-factor authentication. Organizations also implement email filters and security awareness training to mitigate risks.

Social engineering is the psychological manipulation of individuals to gain access to confidential information or systems. Instead of hacking technology, attackers exploit human vulnerabilities, such as trust, fear, or urgency, to deceive victims. Common tactics include impersonation, baiting, and pretexting. Social engineering is often used in phishing attacks, where scammers pretend to be legitimate organizations. It can also involve physical breaches, like tailgating into secure areas. Defending against social engineering requires strong security awareness, verification of unknown contacts, and skepticism toward unsolicited requests. Organizations implement security training programs and policies to educate employees on identifying and preventing such threats.

Scareware is a type of malicious software that tricks users into believing their system is infected with a virus or that their data is at risk. It typically appears as pop-ups or fake antivirus warnings urging victims to download harmful software or pay for unnecessary services. Once installed, scareware can introduce malware, steal personal data, or disable legitimate security software. Attackers use fear tactics to pressure victims into immediate action. To avoid scareware, users should avoid clicking on suspicious alerts, use reputable security software, and ensure their operating systems are up to date to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Pretexting is a social engineering tactic where an attacker fabricates a convincing scenario to manipulate a target into revealing sensitive information. Unlike phishing, which often relies on mass deception, pretexting involves thorough research and impersonation, making it highly effective. Attackers may pose as IT support, bank officials, or law enforcement to extract credentials, financial details, or corporate secrets. Successful pretexting relies on establishing trust and creating urgency. Defenses against pretexting include verifying the identity of requesters, enforcing strict security policies, and training employees to recognize and respond to deceptive tactics. Organizations should also limit access to sensitive data.