What is spear phishing? Definition and how it works

More and more people are working from home, managing their online banking, or sharing sensitive information through email. And while this connectivity has made many things easier, it has also opened the door to new risks. One of the most dangerous, and often underestimated, is spear phishing.

In this article, we’ll explain what spear phishing is, how it works, why you should pay attention to it, and what steps you can take to protect yourself, whether you’re an individual user or managing a team within a company.

Spear phishing: a simple definition

The easiest way to understand spear phishing is to think of it as a much more personalized and sophisticated version of traditional phishing.

While generic phishing involves sending mass emails hoping someone will “bite,” spear phishing operates as a much more targeted attack. In fact, its name says it all: “spear” versus “net.” It’s not casting a wide net; it’s targeting a specific victim with messages almost tailor-made for them.

So, what exactly is spear phishing?

It’s a cyberattack technique that uses personalized emails or messages to deceive a specific individual within an organization. The goal can be to steal confidential information, such as passwords or financial data, or gain access to internal systems. Sometimes, it’s even used to silently distribute malware.

What’s the difference between phishing and spear phishing?

This is a common question, and it’s important to clear it up early. Although both attacks are based on identity theft, the major difference lies in the level of personalization.

Traditional phishing targets a massive audience, attacking thousands of people. The content of its messages tends to be generic, so the success rate is low compared to the volume being sent out. It’s dangerous for businesses, but it’s considered a moderate and manageable risk.

On the other hand, spear phishing targets a specific individual or role within an organization. The message is personalized and highly convincing, making the success rate much higher due to its precision. The risk to businesses in this case is extremely high.

How does spear phishing work?

A spear phishing email can look like a real work conversation, mimic the tone of a colleague, or even replicate details like your signature, your schedule, or your recent projects. And that’s where its danger lies.

1. Information gathering

It all starts with research. The attacker gathers public data about the target: LinkedIn profiles, old emails, social media accounts, or the company website. Sometimes even from previous breaches.

2. Crafting the personalized message

With that information, a message is created that looks completely legitimate. It may appear to be from a supplier, a superior, or even a department colleague. The more realistic, the more dangerous.

3. Sending the message

The spear phishing email is sent out. It could include a fake link that directs to a cloned website (e.g., a login page) or an attachment with malware.

4. The trap is set

If the person falls for it, they may unknowingly compromise data, access, or even an entire business system.

Real-life examples of spear phishing

Spear phishing cases are not rare. One of the most famous was the 2014 attack on Sony Pictures, where personalized emails were sent to senior employees. The result: stolen movies, massive email leaks, and millions in damages.

Why is spear phishing so dangerous?

Because it hides so well. Many antivirus programs and traditional systems don’t detect it because there’s not necessarily a malicious file involved, rather, it’s emotional and informational manipulation. Spear phishing exploits the human factor, one of the weakest links in cybersecurity.

In small or medium-sized companies, where communication is more direct and informal, these types of attacks can easily go unnoticed.

How to protect yourself from spear phishing?

We know that cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue; it’s also about training and culture. Here are some key steps to protect yourself against spear phishing attacks:

Educate the team

Awareness is the first step. Teach your colleagues to spot warning signs: suspicious urgencies, minor changes in email addresses, or unsolicited attachments.

Always verify

If you receive a message asking for something sensitive, verify through another channel. Calling by phone or sending an internal message can save a lot of trouble.

Use secure tools

Make sure you have two-factor authentication, encrypted email, and reliable password managers.

Don’t share too much information

Avoid posting details about hierarchies, roles, or internal emails on public websites or social media. What may seem harmless can be very useful to an attacker.

What if your company has already been attacked?

Acting quickly is crucial. If you believe your company has suffered a cyberattack or that someone on your team has received a spear phishing email, don’t waste time. Change passwords, review access, notify the IT or cybersecurity department, and report the incident to the relevant parties.

It’s also a good idea to document everything, both to improve internal processes and to prevent future attacks.

Founderz and cybersecurity training

At Founderz, we work to make technology a secure ally. That’s why our AI and Innovation certificate program is tailored to professionals and teams at all levels.

Spear phishing isn’t a spy movie or something that only affects large multinational companies. It’s a real, everyday risk, and it can directly impact the operations and finances of any organization. Even yours.

The good news is there’s a lot that can be done: from training teams to setting up verification protocols. And if you’re starting to build your company or lead a team, now is the best time to include cybersecurity in your roadmap.