Difference between Spoofing and Phishing

Last Updated : 29 Aug, 2024

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What is Spoofing?

Spoofing is a type of attack on a computer device in which the attacker tries to steal the identity of the legitimate user and act as another person. This kind of attack is done to breach the security of the system or to steal the information of the users.

Example: Hackers normally change their IP addresses to hack a website so that the hacker can’t be traced.

Advantages of Spoofing

High success rate on account of the perception created by the looks of legitimacy.
In turn, it can be employed to support other, for example, phishing attacks.

Disadvantages of Spoofing

These penalties are not a joke and sometimes lead to legal consequences for anyone who has been involved in the process of detection.
Several measures that have to do with the security of the web are making spoofing difficult to implement.

Types of Spoofing Attacks

Email Spoofing: An attacker sends an email that appears to be from a trusted source, such as a bank or a government agency, to trick the recipient into providing sensitive information.
DNS Spoofing: An attacker redirects traffic from a legitimate website to a fake website, which is controlled by the attacker, in order to steal sensitive information.
IP Spoofing: An attacker disguises their IP address with a fake one to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to a system.
Caller ID Spoofing: An attacker manipulates their caller ID to appear as a trusted source, such as a bank, in order to trick the recipient into providing sensitive information.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of attack on a computer device where the attacker tries to find the sensitive information of users in a fraud manner through electronic communication by intending to be from a related trusted organization in an automated manner.

Example: Sometimes hackers through communication ask for OTP or secret PIN of bank transactions by acting as an employee of the bank which is a fraud manner.

Advantages of Phishing

Non invasive and can reach a large population within a short span of time.
Regularly taking advantage of human’s psychology thus making it more efficient.

Disadvantages of Phishing

Users are now aware and have been educated thus making phishing to be less effective.
Anti-phishing solutions can be implemented within the email client or as stand alone software and these include advanced filtering of emails.

Types of Phishing Attacks

Spear Phishing: An attacker sends targeted and personalized emails to individuals, such as executives or employees, in order to obtain sensitive information.
Whaling: Similar to spear phishing, but specifically targets high-level executives or individuals with access to sensitive information.
Vishing: An attacker uses voice over IP (VoIP) technology to make phone calls and impersonates a trusted source, such as a bank, to trick the recipient into providing sensitive information.
Smishing: An attacker sends text messages that appear to be from a trusted source, such as a bank or a government agency, to trick the recipient into providing sensitive information.

Similarities Between Spoofing and Phishing are

Social Engineering: Both Spoofing and Phishing attacks rely on social engineering tactics to deceive the victim into taking an action that could be harmful. They both take advantage of the victim’s trust in the sender of the message to achieve their goals.

Use of Fake Identity: Both Spoofing and Phishing attacks involve the use of a fake identity to deceive the victim. Spoofing involves using a fake email address or phone number to make it appear as if the message is coming from a trusted source. Phishing involves creating fake websites or using a fake email address that appears to be from a trusted source.

Theft of Personal Information: Both Spoofing and Phishing attacks aim to steal personal information from the victim. Spoofing can be used to gain access to the victim’s login credentials, while Phishing can be used to steal credit card details, passwords, and other sensitive information.

Technically Simple: Both Spoofing and Phishing attacks can be executed with basic technical skills. Spoofing involves changing the sender’s email address or phone number, while Phishing can be done by creating a fake website or using a pre-made template.

Malicious Intent: Both Spoofing and Phishing attacks have malicious intent. The attackers aim to deceive the victim and use their personal information or access to their accounts for financial gain or to cause harm to the victim or their organization.