Whaling: what is it and how can you protect your company from this targeted cyberattack?

In recent years, businesses have faced a significant rise in cyberattacks. However, not all attacks have the same nature or pursue the same goals.

Some, like whaling, target a very specific profile: executives and top management. And while it might sound rare or unlikely, the truth is that it’s one of the most damaging and hardest-to-detect threats any organization can face.

In this article, we’ll clearly explain what whaling is, how it differs from other types of digital fraud, and, most importantly, how you can protect your team and company from this kind of attack.

What Is Whaling?

The term whaling literally means “whale hunting”. In cybersecurity, it refers to a type of phishing attack specifically aimed at executives, CEOs, CFOs, and anyone with decision-making power within a company.

The logic is simple: instead of launching mass attacks (as in traditional phishing), cybercriminals focus all their attention on one high-value target. If they manage to deceive that person, the financial reward or access to confidential information can be enormous.

This type of attack is also known as whaling phishing or spear whaling, and it often comes in the form of emails, fake messages, or even carefully crafted phone calls that appear legitimate.

The difference between Phishing, Spear Phishing, and Whaling

To better understand what whaling involves, it’s useful to compare it with related techniques:

• Phishing: a mass attack sent to thousands of people indiscriminately, hoping that someone “takes the bait” by clicking a malicious link.
• Spear phishing: a more personalized attack, where the criminal researches the victim to craft a convincing message.
• Whaling: an even more specialized version of spear phishing, targeting top executives or “big fish” within an organization.

In other words, all whaling attacks are a form of spear phishing, but not all spear phishing attacks are whaling.

How a Whaling attacks works?

A whaling attack isn’t improvised. It requires time, research, and preparation. Cybercriminals study their target before taking action.

Typical stages of an attack:

1. Research: gathering public data from social media, corporate websites, press releases, etc.
2. Message design: creating an email or communication that perfectly mimics a supplier, partner, or colleague’s tone and style.
3. Deception: the message often includes urgent requests, such as money transfers, sharing financial data, or opening malicious attachments.
4. Execution: once the victim responds, the attacker gains access to funds, credentials, or strategic information.

Why is Whaling so dangerous?

There are several reasons why whaling is one of the most dangerous forms of cyberattack:

• High success rate: executives are often busy and tend to trust messages from familiar contacts or vendors.
• Severe financial impact: a single transfer can result in losses of millions.
• Privileged access: compromising an executive’s account can open the door to sensitive information or manipulation of other employees.
• Reputational damage: falling victim to such an attack can undermine the trust of clients, investors, and partners.

Warning signs of a Whaling attempt

Although each attack may differ, some red flags are worth watching for:

• Emails with an unusual tone of urgency (“do this immediately,” “don’t tell anyone”).
• Requests for transfers to new or international accounts.
• Slight changes in email addresses.
• Messages sent outside business hours or during holidays (when fewer staff are available).
• Unexpected attachments or shortened links.

How to protect your company from Whaling?

Prevention is the best defense against whaling. Installing antivirus software isn’t enough, the most effective strategy combines technology, processes, and training.

1. Establish verification protocols

Before making any bank transfer or sharing sensitive information, there should always be a double-verification process. For example, an internal phone call to confirm the request.

2. Raise awareness among executives

Since attacks target high-level executives, they are precisely the ones who need cybersecurity training the most.

3. Use advanced security tools

Email filtering systems, multifactor authentication, and threat detection tools all help reduce risk.

4. Conduct regular simulations

Running internal whaling phishing simulations can help executives recognize and respond to attempts in a controlled environment.

5. Build a security culture

It’s not just about “following rules.” Everyone, from employees to executives, should understand that cybersecurity is a key part of business strategy.

The role of training: a long-term investment in security

Many organizations underestimate the importance of training their leaders in cybersecurity. Yet, the human factor remains the weakest link in the security chain.

At Founderz, we have an AI and Innovation Certificate Program, designed to help executives and professionals understand today’s risks, learn to identify attacks like whaling, and apply best practices in their daily work.

Whaling isn’t a buzzword or a theoretical concept, it’s a real threat that has cost companies around the world millions. The key is recognizing that attacks don’t always come in the form of complex viruses, but often through a simple email that exploits someone’s trust.

Protecting your organization isn’t impossible, it just takes clear protocols, the right tools, and, most importantly, well-trained people.

If you’re ready to start strengthening your company’s defenses against whaling and other digital risks, learn more about Founderz’s program and take the first step toward lasting cybersecurity.

This post is also available in: Español