What is the key characteristic of spear phishing?

Spear phishing is characterized by carefully designed emails that target a specific individual or organization. This method involves conducting thorough research on the target to craft a message that appears credible and personalized. By doing this, the attacker increases the likelihood that the recipient will engage with the content, whether by clicking on a malicious link or providing sensitive information. This level of targeting distinguishes spear phishing from more generalized phishing attacks, which simply cast a wide net without focusing on particular individuals or organizations.

This targeted approach often leverages details gleaned from social media or company websites to make the communication appear legitimate, which enhances the attack's chances of success. Understanding this nuance is vital in cybersecurity, as it helps individuals and organizations develop more effective defenses against these types of nuanced threats.