What is whaling in the context of phishing?

Whaling in phishing refers to a type of cyber attack that specifically targets high-profile individuals or executives within an organization. These attacks aim to trick the targeted individual into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds by impersonating trusted entities or by using sophisticated social engineering tactics.

Whaling attacks differ from regular phishing scams in several key ways when targeting high-profile individuals:
1. Personalization: Whaling attacks are highly personalized to the victim, often using specific details or information to make the messages seem more legitimate.
2. Sophistication: Whaling attacks are often more sophisticated and well-researched, making them harder to detect than traditional phishing emails.
3. Higher Payoff: Since high-profile individuals have access to sensitive information or financial resources, successful whaling attacks can result in a higher payoff for the cybercriminal.
4. Reputation Damage: Targeting high-profile individuals can also lead to significant reputation damage for both the individual and the organization if sensitive information is compromised.

It is important for high-profile individuals and organizations to stay vigilant against whaling attacks by implementing strong security measures, conducting regular security awareness training, and verifying the authenticity of any incoming communications asking for sensitive information or funds.