What defines spear phishing?

Spear phishing is characterized by its targeted approach that focuses on specific individuals or organizations rather than casting a wide net. This method often involves researching the target to craft personalized messages that appear legitimate and relevant. Attackers may gather details about the target's background, work relationships, interests, or recent activities to increase the likelihood of the victim falling for the scam.

This precise targeting differentiates spear phishing from broader phishing attacks, where messages are sent to large groups without personalization. The latter is less effective because it relies on a volume approach, often yielding lower success rates due to the sheer number of non-specific emails being sent.

In contrast, spear phishing relies on deception and trust, making it more dangerous and typically more effective, as victims are more likely to open the email or take the desired action when they believe the request is credible. The effectiveness of spear phishing has made it a prevalent tactic among cybercriminals, as it often circumvents basic security training that users may have received against general phishing threats.