Difference Between Phishing and Vishing

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2024

Cyber Criminals have turned to the use of emails to conduct various attacks on users to steal cybercriminals' critical information from the latter. This may include logins and passwords any other bank card numbers or any other personal details. Out of all the email attacks that are being used Phishing and Vishing are the most common and famous modes of the attacker. When people comprehend these attacks and the differences among them, they will be in a better position to guard themselves against these threats.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of email with the intention of the attacker to trick the users into providing sensitive information through computer-aided communication while posing under an organizational identity. These incoming messages are crafted by attackers in a very precise manner aimed at certain groups, and following the URL provided will steal some kind of malign code on the victim’s computer.

Example

Stealing bank transaction passwords from users.
Stealing login credentials from users.

What is Vishing?

Vishing is a type of cyber attack in which voice communication is used to steal confidential data from a group of people. In vishing, the attacker tricks the target into giving sensitive information through a voice call pretending to be an employee from a related and trusted firm.

Example

Asking for bank transaction OTP from users.
Asking for UPI PIN from users.

Difference Between Phishing and Vishing

Phishing	Vishing
Phishing attacks target a wide range of people through emails.	Vishing attacks target a wide range of people through voice communication.
Victims need to click on malicious links.	Victims need to provide information verbally.
It is an automated attack.	It is a manual attack.
A single attacker can send various emails at a time.	Voice calls to targets are done by attackers one at a time.
It has more accuracy.	It has less accuracy.
It is more commonly used nowadays.	It was more common in earlier days but is still used.
Attackers involved in phishing are often cyber criminals or professional hackers.	Vishing attackers are typically not experts in hacking.
Phishing can take various forms such as Spear Phishing, Whaling, Clone Phishing, Smishing, Vishing, Angler Phishing, and more.	Vishing can take forms such as pretending to be a government official, telemarketing incidents, fraudulent tech support, fake bank transactions, and more.
Common Precautionary Steps for Phishing: Think twice before submitting sensitive information, never believe warning messages, avoid opening enclosed documents in suspicious communication	Common Precautionary Steps for Vishing: Do not answer calls from unknown numbers, block numbers immediately if fraud is suspected, and avoid responding to prompts from automated messages.
Examples of Phishing Attacks: Fraudulent fake invoices, email account upgrade fraud, suspicious activity fraud, and others.	Examples of Vishing Attacks: Wardialing, caller ID forgery, dumpster diving, and others.

Conclusion

To protect individual and company data, it is important to distinguish between phishing and vishing. It should be noted that despite the commonality of the objectives of both streams, they work differently, using various means to mislead victims into providing additional information. Phishing is an electronic communication fraud while vishing is by making voice calls. Through being acquainted with these techniques, prevention measures can be put in place to avoid being a victim of these incidences.

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