An attack targeting senior executives and high-profile individuals is known as what?

The term that describes an attack specifically targeting senior executives and high-profile individuals is known as whaling. Whaling is a type of phishing attack that focuses on a specific group of targets, usually individuals in significant positions within an organization, such as executives or key decision-makers. These attacks often involve highly personalized and sophisticated strategies to deceive the target into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.

In contrast to other types of attacks, such as vishing, which involves voice phishing often conducted through phone calls, whaling emphasizes the scale and significance of the individuals being targeted, hence the term "whaling" relates to hunting the "big fish." It serves to highlight the elevated risks associated with the data held by these high-profile individuals, and the tactics used are often tailored to align with their specific roles and responsibilities.

Understanding whaling attacks is crucial for organizations since these individuals often have access to sensitive information and can cause substantial damage if their accounts or data are compromised. This makes it vital for enterprises to implement enhanced security measures and awareness training to protect against such targeted threats.