Types of Phishing

Suggested IT Security Resources

Different Types of Phishing

SMiShing

Smishing (a combination of the words SMS (text message) and Phishing) is a scam where fraudsters send text messages to random mobile phones.  The text messages claim to come from a reputable organisation such as a bank, card issuer or a service provider e.g. a mobile phone company.

See our tips on avoiding SMiSHing.

Vishing

Vishing (a combination of the words Voice and Phishing) is a phone scam where fraudsters target you by phone and try to trick you into divulging personal, financial or security information or into making a financial transfer to them.

A fraudster can phone you, claiming to be from a bank, card issuer, the Gardaí/Police or a service provider such as a telephone company, internet provider or computer company. They trick you into believing they are a legitimate representative of the organisation and that it is in your interest to give the information they ask for.

See our tips on avoiding Vishing.

Quishing 

QR code phishing or quishing is a type of phishing attack that uses QR codes to lure victims into revealing sensitive information. Threat actors create a QR code that looks legitimate, such as one that appears to offer a discount or special offer, but in fact, it directs the victim to a fake website controlled by the attacker.

See our tips on avoiding Quishing.