What is 'whaling' in the context of cyber threats?

Whaling refers specifically to a type of phishing attack that is directed at high-profile individuals, such as executives or important decision-makers within an organization. The rationale behind whaling is that these individuals typically have access to sensitive information and financial resources, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. Attackers craft highly personalized and convincing emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, often mimicking communication styles that the targets would expect. This not only increases the likelihood of the targeted individual engaging with the malicious content but also enhances the effectiveness of the attack by exploiting trust and authority.

Understanding this type of cyber threat is critical for organizations as it highlights the importance of training employees at all levels, particularly those in high-stakes roles, on the recognition of such threats and the implementation of security best practices to safeguard against them.