What characterizes a spear phishing attack?

A spear phishing attack is characterized by being a targeted email aimed at a specific individual or organization. Unlike regular phishing attempts, which cast a wide net to collect information from many unsuspecting victims, spear phishing is much more personalized. Attackers research their targets to craft messages that appear credible and relevant, often using the victim's name, job role, or other specific details to increase the likelihood of success.

This targeted approach makes spear phishing particularly dangerous, as it can bypass common security measures that might catch more generic phishing attempts. By impersonating trusted sources or creating seemingly legitimate scenarios, the attacker lures the victim into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. This contrasts with other types of phishing, such as bulk messages or automated emails, which do not utilize such personalized tactics.