Close
Let's Talk

Our rapid response team are available to help:

Get Technical Support Get in touch
Request a callback

Telephone: 01527 880088

Option 1: Technical Support

Option 2: Sales & General Enquiries

Close
LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X
What is Phishing, Spear Phishing and Whaling?

What is Phishing, Spear Phishing and Whaling?


Why you should secure your communication, manage your online identity and protect your data.

Decorative arrow Decorative arrow Decorative arrow Decorative arrow Decorative arrow Decorative arrow

You may have heard of Phishing…but have you heard of Spear Phishing and Whaling?

The biggest threat to businesses isn’t just your PC’s being targeted, but the people using them. In the new digital age of cyber threats, cyber-criminals are using phishing, spear phishing and whaling to attack you!

These attacks employ social engineering – targeting well-researched individuals with clever impersonations, gaining trust to access sensitive data. How do they work and what can you do?

Phishing, a Classic.

Phishing is a broad term for cyberattacks where attackers will send out fake messages, often via email, en masse, in the hope a few unwary people will bite. Attackers will impersonate trusted sources, such as banks or well-known companies, to trick individuals into revealing personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers or other sensitive data.

The Precision of Spear Phishing.

Spear Phishing targets specific individuals with tailored fraudulent contacts. Appearing as an incomplete payment, login detail resets, messages from senior staff members, or even a hacked client or colleague, making them difficult to detect. Often, a sense of urgency is employed to further deceive individuals into sharing confidential information.

Whaling: A Deeper Dive.

Whaling, also known as whale phishing, focuses on high-profile individuals within an organisation, such as Managing Directors, CEOs, CFOs, or other executives. Sensitive data, login credentials and significant financial transactions are the primary goals. Due to the high stakes and the level of detail involved, these attacks can be particularly damaging and hard to catch!

What Can You Do?

Both types of attacks rely heavily on social engineering techniques to manipulate victims into taking actions that benefit the attacker. Staying vigilant and educating employees about these threats are key steps in protecting against them.

Remember, all it takes is a well-crafted fraudulent email on a Friday afternoon to catch you off guard.

  • Don’t assume!

  • Never rush!

  • Communicate clearly!

  • Double-check all the details and think twice before sharing sensitive information!

 

What Can We Do for You?

While you can take steps to improve your team’s awareness, guarantee good habits and manage your personal identity online. It’s not worth the risk to go it alone.

While it helps to install the right anti-virus and anti-spam software, use multi-factor authentication, and conduct regular phishing tests. There could be a few threats sitting in your mailbox right now!

Let us handle it and protect you from any and all cyber-threats.

Our dedicated Cyber Security Team is here to safeguard you and your business. Get in touch today to speak with a member of our team!

Contact us >

Featured blogs


Is Your Business Ready for Windows 10 End-of-Life?

Prepare for the future: upgrade to Windows 11 Pro before Windows 10 reaches End of Life!

Read more

How Recent Cyber Attacks on UK Retailers Could Happen to any Business

High-profile breaches at Co-op, Marks & Spencer, and Harrods show that all businesses, especially smaller ones, need robust Cyber Security measures.

Read more

Microsoft OneDrive Update is a Risk to Business

Microsoft's new OneDrive feature could risk business data security by syncing with personal accounts. Implement preventative policies before the June rollout.

Read more

Technical Drive and the 40 for 40 Challenge with SMA UK

Join us as we support SMA UK's mission to raise £40,000 with a 40km challenge on the River Severn.

Read more

With Cyber Security, It’s Not If but When!

Cyber Security is on the rise, and every business is a target. Discover who should take responsibility within your small or medium-sized business and how to protect your organisation effectively.

Read more

Technical Drive Achieves ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and Cyber Essentials Re-certification

Technical Drive proudly announces the re-certification of ISO 27001, ISO 9001, and Cyber Essentials, underscoring our commitment to quality, security, and excellence.

Read more

40km, 5 Teammates, 1 Amazing Cause! The Technical Drive Canoe Highlights

On 7th June, Adam, Sam, Ben, Amy and Elizabeth from our Technical Drive team completed a 40km walk-and-canoe challenge for SMA UK’s ’40 for 40’ campaign.

Read more
View more blogs

Email sign up


As your Managed IT Service Partner, we take responsibility to proactively help you drive your business forward through technology. With our fast, responsive, and strategic team we can digitally transform organisations to drive productivity, profitability, and success. Sign up to receive helpful advice and industry news that could affect your IT, data storage and communications.

Get in touch
Decorative arrow Decorative arrow

Get in touch


Is your current company not performing, not being proactive, not getting value for money? Or perhaps you have an urgent problem?

Need Technical Support? Call us now on 01527 880088 Click here