Question 1

What is executive phishing?

Accepted Answer

Executive phishing, also known as whaling, targets high-ranking individuals in an organization. These attacks use personalized emails to trick executives into revealing sensitive information or authorizing fraudulent transactions by impersonating trusted colleagues or partners.

Question 2

How does executive phishing differ from whaling?

Accepted Answer

Executive phishing broadly targets high-ranking individuals across various levels, while whaling specifically focuses on top executives like CEOs or CFOs due to their access to critical data and decision-making authority. Both involve personalized attacks, but whaling targets the 'big fish.'

Question 3

How is executive phishing different from everyday phishing?

Accepted Answer

Everyday phishing casts a wide net with generic emails targeting many individuals. Executive phishing, by contrast, is highly personalized, targeting specific individuals with tailored messages, often using their names, job titles, or other personal details to exploit their authority and access.

Question 4

Why are executives targeted in phishing attacks?

Accepted Answer

Executives are targeted for their access to sensitive information, financial resources, and decision-making power. Cybercriminals exploit their authority to approve transactions or share confidential data, making them highly lucrative targets.

Question 5

How can executives protect themselves from phishing attacks?

Accepted Answer

Executives can protect themselves by limiting personal information shared online, verifying email requests via alternative channels, and establishing internal protocols for sensitive requests. Cybersecurity training, multi-factor authentication, and email sandboxing are also effective defenses.

Question 6

What should you do if you fall victim to executive phishing?

Accepted Answer

If you fall victim to executive phishing, immediately change compromised passwords, notify your organization, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity. Report the incident to authorities like the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to mitigate potential damages.

Question 7

Why is cybersecurity training important in combating executive phishing?

Accepted Answer

Cybersecurity training helps employees recognize phishing attempts and take action. Simulations and real-life examples build awareness, while fostering open communication ensures suspicious activities are reported, creating a human firewall to complement technological defenses.

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