Glossary

What is a Phishing Attack?

A phishing attack is carried out when cybercriminals or hackers send out an email blast to thousands or even millions of people in an attempt to steal personal login and financial information or to download a virus to the user or company’s computer in an effort to collect a ransom.

The criminals who carry out these types of phishing attacks design an email to look like it is coming from a legitimate company, even going so far as to include exact replicas of logos and websites. They also employ fear tactics, such as alerting the email recipient that their account has been hacked and therefore, they need to change their password or by asking them to verify an expensive financial transaction. Once the recipient clicks on the link and enters their personal information, the hackers use that data to drain their bank accounts or open new accounts using their personal information.

 

About Critical Insight

Critical Insight is the only cybersecurity-as-a-service provider that prepares, monitors and responds to cyber threats, going beyond SOC-as-a-service offerings typical of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) offerings.

With a focus on organizations that deliver critical services – hospitals, local governments, utilities, school systems, and more – we provide end-to-end support to those with limited security teams or budgets to handle threats proactively and as they occur.

Based in Bremerton and Seattle, Washington, Critical Insight is a venture-backed company founded by former CISOs in the public sector. We are committed to training new analysts and providing the most up-to-date cybersecurity protection.

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Check out our Security Awareness Trainings

In these 60-minute sessions, you’ll learn how to spot the links to avoid, you’ll learn how ransomware really works, and you’ll come away with some pretty good stories to tell. This won’t be one of those boring trainings, we promise.