What does "spear phishing" specifically target?

Spear phishing is a form of phishing attack that specifically targets a particular individual or organization, rather than using a broad approach like other types of phishing. The key characteristic of spear phishing is the attacker’s focus on creating a personalized attack, often using information that has been gathered about the target to make the attack more convincing. This can include specific details such as the target’s name, job title, or recent activities, which increases the likelihood that the victim will engage with the malicious content.

Unlike attacks that cast a wide net, such as those aimed at randomly selected individuals or general social media accounts, spear phishing is tailored to exploit the trust or familiarity of the targeted individual. By making the attack seem legitimate and relevant, the chances of successfully deceiving the target into providing sensitive information or clicking on harmful links are significantly heightened. Thus, the nature of spear phishing emphasizes its directed approach toward specific individuals and organizations, making it a notable threat in cybersecurity.