---
title: "7 Most Common Phishing Attacks and Learning To Protect Against Them | Phish Protection"
description: "7 Most Common Phishing Attacks and Learning To Protect Against Them  Understand the most common phishing attacks and ways to prevent them  Free Trialht"
image: "https://phishprotection.com/images/og-default.png"
canonical: "https://phishprotection.com/7-most-common-phishing-attacks-and-learning-to-protect-against-them/"
---

#  7 Most Common Phishing Attacks and Learning To Protect Against Them 

## 7 Most Common Phishing Attacks and Learning To Protect Against Them

Understand the most common phishing attacks and ways to prevent them

[Free Trial](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection)

```
	###### [PHISHING PREVENTION](/content/phishing-prevention/)
```

### [WHAT IS PHISHING?](/resources/what-is-phishing/)

### [PROTECTION FROM PHISHING](/)

![As Seen On Phishprotection6](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/02/as-seen-on-phishprotection6.png) ![Phishing Types And Safeguard Phish Protection](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishing-types-and-safeguard-phishprotection.jpg) 

_Phishing attacks account for significant security threats to today’s enterprise information infrastructure_. Organizations are relying on technology to conduct most of their businesses online. The digital space is seen as an opportunity by the cybercriminals to tap into the **loopholes of the security** periphery of these enterprises. On emailing platforms, too, they have started finding sophisticated means to carry out [phishing attacks](https://www.scmagazine.com/topic/phishing).

\*\*

_Email is one of the most commonly used methods used by attackers_ to exploit the vulnerabilities of employees,

i.e., the ‘people’ part of both small and big enterprises. It is the most popular attack vector for delivery of malicious packages to targets.

Thus, _emails play a crucial role in executing **phishing attacks** for cyber adversaries_. Attackers transfer a malicious link or a string of viruses like a [Trojan horse](https://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/Trojan-horse) to the victim through an email. Uninformed tappers of these links are hard hit when they lose sensitive and confidential information about themselves, or their enterprise and sometimes, a considerable amount of money.

Apart from emails, **phishing attacks** can also be carried out through voice, SMS, and various other means. A list of 7 most common phishing attacks and ways to [prevent phishing](/) are given below

![Anti Phishing Services 1](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2019/01/anti-phishing-services-1.png) ![Phishpr Email Phishing Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishpr-email-phishing-icon-100.jpg) 

### Email phishing

In this type of phishing, _attackers send official-looking emails with embedded links_. With the receivers unaware, these embedded links are malicious links that redirect them to innocuous-looking websites, which ask for personal and sensitive information. These links are an attempt, by the attackers, to **steal their data**. It is often difficult to distinguish a fake email from a verified one because of their official and legitimate look.

Most of the time, _the embedded link in the email will not take the recipient to the web address mentioned_. It is a clear sign of **phishing attempt** by the hacker.

#### Safeguards

The most important thing to note is that legitimate companies, as well as banks, _never ask for confidential personal information_ like bank account number, usernames, passwords, etc. So, always resist sharing your personal information to outsiders. Use the official website instead of using the embedded link. Rather than tapping on the same link, the recipient should open the link in a new browser window. _The easiest way to identify malicious emails is through their lousy grammar_.

![Phishpr Vishing Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishpr-vishing-icon-100.jpg) 

### Vishing

_Vishing is also known as voice or VoIP phishing_. With vishing, attackers attempt to lure users into revealing critical financial or personal information over a telephonic communication. The cyber-criminals behind the attack generally claim to be salespersons or account representatives. Hackers have also been able to use the brand names of recognized companies in the past.

In a recent case in India, low-cost carrier IndiGo has [claimed](https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/indigo-warns-customers-not-to-share-sensitive-information/article27017234.ece) that its brand name is being **misused by cyber adversaries** to _extract personal and confidential bank details of customers using a vishing scam_.

#### Safeguards

_The most effective way to prevent this threat is by never providing your credentials to anyone over the phone_. You should treat any request by someone claiming to be an authority who is asking for your password with disbelief. Also, report any **suspicious call** immediately to the authorities.

### **![Phishpr Smishing Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishpr-smishing-icon-100.jpg)\*\*SMiShing**

**_The term ‘[SMiShing’](https://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/SMiShing) is a short form of SMS phishing_. Scammers trick the victim into downloading a virus into their operating system through the use of an embedded link, which they send via a text message. An example of SMiShing, “We confirm that you’ve signed up for our website. You will be charged $3/day unless you cancel your order:[ www.smishinglink.com](http://www.smishinglink.com/)” (The URL is just an example). These links, when opened, _will automatically inject harmful viruses into your system and steal your credentials_.**

**#### Safeguards**

**Avoid clicking suspicious links sent by an unknown sender. In case you have responded to a malicious number, then _call your bank right away to block your debit card and secure your account information_.**

**### \*\*![Phishpr Farming Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishpr-farming-icon-100.jpg)\*\*Pharming**

**_[Pharming](https://www.avast.com/c-pharming) is one of the most complicated forms of phishing attacks which involve compromised DNS servers_. Cybercriminals trick the users by redirecting them to a bogus site in which real IP addresses of _websites are referred to as ‘poisoned’._ This malicious activity is carried out to install malware onto a server, to fraudulently redirect to a bogus site asking for personal financial and sensitive information. This attack is carried out by sending fabricated emails to lure the victims.**

**#### Safeguards**

**_Check the security control whenever you visit a website_. The security control on an official website is the lock and key symbol, along with the https with the word ‘s’ as a reference to security. It is also essential to use a trustworthy Internet Service Provider (ISP), which comes with a sound security system.**

**### \*\*![Phishpr Insession Phishing Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishpr-insession-phishing-icon-100.jpg)\*\*In-session phishing**

**_In-session phishing refers to the use of fake pop-ups on legitimate websites_. During the browsing session, a small window pops up, usually demanding private credentials of the user. The cybercriminals then steal these credentials. In-session phishing can be useful even on official websites, as the user is unaware of the fake aspects.**

**#### Safeguards**

**_The first and foremost solution to safeguard yourself from in-session phishing is to block the pop-ups on the window screen_. However, if you still come across a pop-up on a banking site, then always ensure that it is actually from your bank. Usually, _banking screens or pop-ups asking for passwords disappear in less than 10 minutes_.**

**### \*\*![Phishpr Waterhole Phishing Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phishpr-waterhole-phishing-icon-100.jpg)\*\*Watering hole attacks**

**_A [watering hole attack](https://www.techadvisory.org/2018/04/safety-tips-for-watering-hole-attacks/) is the most advanced method of a phishing attempt_. In this attack, hackers infect legitimate websites, such as banking websites with a large number of visitors. They wait for users to access these websites and reveal their critical information, which they then steal. It is a type of malware attack carried out on official websites, to gain access to their network by tricking users.**

**#### Safeguards**

**_Update your software to protect against this type of threats_. For that, you can even hire a professional IT service provider. Your online activities with VPN and your browser’s private browsing feature should be hidden. Although these attacks have been able to bypass enterprise security controls in the past, you should closely watch your targeted network for additional security.**

**![Phispr Search Engine Ttack Icon 100](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/09/phispr-search-engine-ttack-icon-100.jpg)** 

**### Search Engine Attack**

**_When hackers [manipulate](https://medium.com/@ReputationDefender/tips-to-avoid-phishing-4-search-engine-phishing-bcaec7811933) search engines in such a way that infected websites (typically created by offering cheap products or amazing deals) rank at the top of the page_, then it is commonly known as search engine attack. The uninformed users, who think that Google ranks only official websites, fall prey to infected websites. It consequently leads to leakage of their credentials on these websites and a successful phishing attempt by cybercriminals.**

**#### Safeguards**

**These websites typically claim to be online retailers with amazing discounts or free giveaways. The other examples can be employment opportunities or emergency warnings. Thus, _check the source of every company you are visiting online and be suspicious of free deals or the products being offered at throwaway prices_.**

**### Conclusion**

**In the information age, while you are willing to shell out your private information on the internet, you might not be aware of the impending phishing attack on your system. _[Awareness](/blog/in-honor-of-cybersecurity-awareness-month-heres-the-only-fact-you-need-to-know/) is the key to preventing these attacks and being well-prepared_.**

**### Enterprise-class email protection without the enterprise price**

**For flexible per-user pricing, PhishProtection’s integrated email security solution protects your employees from business email compromise (BEC) and many other email threats. 24×7\. On any device. With features you’d expect in more expensive solutions:**

**All Plans Come With**

**- Stops business email compromise (BEC)**
**- Stops brand forgery emails**
**- Stop threatening emails before they reach the inbox**
**- Continuous link checking**
**- Real-time website scanning**
**- Real time alerts to users and administrators**
**- Protection with settings you control**
**- Protection against zero day vulnerabilities**
**- Complete situational awareness from web-based console**
**![Trusted By Phishprotection3](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/02/trusted-by-phishprotection3.png)** 

**### Join 7500+ Organizations that use Phish Protection**

**[ 60-Day Free Trial ](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection)**

**Phish Protection works with System Administrators, IT Professionals and IT Executives in thousands of companies worldwide. Sign up and protect your organization from phishing attacks in less than 5 minutes**

**![Sys Admin1](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/sys-admin1.jpg) ![Itprofessional1 E1585030432965](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/itprofessional1-e1585030432965.jpg) ![Directorofit1](https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/2020/03/directorofit1.jpg)** 

## Protect your inbox from phishing attacks

Start your 60-day free trial - no credit card required.

[Start Free Trial](https://portal.duocircle.com/cart.php?a=add&pid=101&brand=phishprotection)

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://phishprotection.com/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]},"sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://x.com/duocirclellc","https://www.facebook.com/duocirclellc","https://github.com/duocircle"],"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":"4.8","reviewCount":"21","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1","url":"https://www.g2.com/products/phish-protection/reviews"},"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","url":"https://phishprotection.com/contact/"},"knowsAbout":["Phishing Protection","Email Security","Anti-Phishing","Business Email Compromise","Ransomware Protection","Time of Click Protection","Office 365 Email Security","Advanced Threat Defense"]}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebSite","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://phishprotection.com/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Advanced phishing protection and email security for businesses. Real-time threat defense, time-of-click protection, and seamless Office 365 integration.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://www.phishprotection.com"}]}}}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","headline":"7 Most Common Phishing Attacks and Learning To Protect Against Them","description":"7 Most Common Phishing Attacks and Learning To Protect Against Them  Understand the most common phishing attacks and ways to prevent them  Free Trialht","url":"https://phishprotection.com/7-most-common-phishing-attacks-and-learning-to-protect-against-them/","dateModified":"2023-07-21T11:06:44.000Z","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/phishprotection-logo.png"},"description":"Enterprise-grade email security that protects businesses from phishing, ransomware, and email fraud with real-time threat detection and multi-layered protection.","parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","name":"DuoCircle LLC","url":"https://www.duocircle.com","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138883901","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://github.com/duocircle"],"subOrganization":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","name":"Phish Protection","url":"https://phishprotection.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138898167","name":"DMARC Report","url":"https://dmarcreport.com"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897474","name":"AutoSPF","url":"https://autospf.com"}]},"sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138897912","https://www.linkedin.com/company/duocircle","https://x.com/duocirclellc","https://github.com/duocircle","https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/duocircle-llc"],"contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","url":"https://phishprotection.com/contact/"},"knowsAbout":["Phishing Protection","Email Security","Anti-Phishing","Ransomware Protection","Business Email Compromise","Time of Click Protection","Advanced Threat Defense","Email Fraud Prevention","Phishing Awareness Training","Office 365 Email Security"]},"image":"https://media.mailhop.org/phishprotection/images/og-default.png"}
```

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://phishprotection.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"7 Most Common Phishing Attacks And Learning To Protect Against Them","item":"https://phishprotection.com/7-most-common-phishing-attacks-and-learning-to-protect-against-them/"}]}
```