What Is A Pharming Attack?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Pharming, a portmanteau of the words “phishing” and “farming”, is an online scam similar to phishing , where a website’s traffic is manipulated, and confidential information is stolen. In essence, it is the criminal act of producing a fake website and then redirecting users to it.

What is a pharming attack example?

Credential Pharming

For example, obtaining account credentials on an email account provides an attacker far more information than just stealing sensitive information from a targeted user. In a phishing attack, users are tricked into sending their credentials to a threat actor via email.

What is the purpose of a pharming attack?

Pharming is a scamming practice in which malicious code is installed on a personal computer (PC) or server, misdirecting users to fraudulent websites without their knowledge or consent. The aim is for users to input their personal information .

What is pharming and how does it work?

Pharming is a form of online fraud involving malicious code and fraudulent websites . Cybercriminals install malicious code on your computer or server. The code automatically directs you to bogus websites without your knowledge or consent.

How does pharming attack work?

Pharming attacks involve redirecting user requests by manipulating the Domain Name Service (DNS) protocol and rerouting the target from its intended IP address to one controlled by the hacker . ... Routers are also a potential endpoint device targeted in pharming attacks (sometimes known as “drive-by” pharming).

What is pharming example?

An example of pharming would be if a user would open their browser and enter the web address of their bank in order to complete a transaction in online banking . However, the user is redirected to a fraudulent site that looks like the bank’s website.

How would you know if someone is trying to pharming you?

However, there are a few key warning signs that can show that someone is a victim of a pharming attack. Check to make sure the URL is spelled correctly . Be sure the URL is secure and has “https” before the site name. Notice any discrepancies from how the webpage usually looks.

How is pharming harmful?

Computer pharming doesn’t require that initial click to take you to a fraudulent website. ... For this reason, pharming has been described as “phishing without a lure.” Pharming is considered more dangerous than phishing since it can affect a significant number of computers without any conscious action from the victims .

What are the effects of pharming?

There are impacts that caused by both phishing and pharming. Those impacts included the lost of financial , undermining of user confident in secured online transaction or communication, hard hit to small organizations and cause the law investigation harder.

How can pharming be prevented?

Here’s how to avoid pharming attacks:

Watch out for malicious emails . Check for red flags on websites . Use an antivirus software and firewalls . Perform regular updates .

What are the types of pharming?

There are two types of pharming: pharming malware and DNS poisoning . Pharming malware aka DNS changers/hijackers infect a victim’s computer and stealthily make changes to the victim’s hosts file.

What is the difference between pharming and phishing?

While phishing attempts are carried out by using spoofed websites, appearing to have come from legitimate entities, pharming relies on the DNS server level. Unlike phishing, pharming doesn’t rely on bait like fake links to trick users .

What crops are used in pharming?

A variety of plants, including corn, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco, and alfalfa , have been investigated for their pharming potential.

What is spoofing attack?

What Is a Spoofing Attack? Spoofing is when an attacker impersonates an authorized device or user to steal data, spread malware, or bypass access control systems .

What is a vishing attack?

Vishing is short for “voice phishing,” which involves defrauding people over the phone, enticing them to divulge sensitive information. In this definition of vishing, the attacker attempts to grab the victim’s data and use it for their own benefit —typically, to gain a financial advantage.

What do botnets steal?

Botnets can be used to perform Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, steal data, send spam , and allow the attacker to access the device and its connection. The owner can control the botnet using command and control (C&C) software. The word “botnet” is a portmanteau of the words “robot” and “network”.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.