Anatomy of a Phishing Attack
Learn how to identify, analyze, and stop email threats before they breach your network.
1. The Lure
Phishing starts with a deceptive email designed to trigger an emotional response (fear, urgency, greed). Attackers often spoof legitimate brands or executives.
2. The Hook
The email contains a malicious link or attachment. Links may lead to fake login pages (credential harvesting) or drive-by downloads. Attachments may contain macro-enabled malware.
3. The Catch
If the user falls for the bait, the attacker gains access. This can lead to ransomware deployment, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network.