What type of social engineering targets particular groups of people?

Spear phishing specifically targets particular groups of individuals, often using information to make the attacks more convincing and tailored to the recipients. This customization is what distinguishes spear phishing from general phishing, which aims at a broader audience without specific targeting.

In spear phishing, attackers might gather personal information about their targets, like their job titles, interests, or recent activities, to craft deceptive emails or messages that appear legitimate. This personalized approach increases the likelihood that the targeted individuals will engage with the content or click on malicious links, leading to successful breaches.

This tactic is particularly prevalent in corporate environments, where attackers may focus on specific departments or roles, such as executives or employees with access to sensitive information, thereby maximizing the chances of exploiting vulnerabilities. Understanding spear phishing is critical for defensive measures because detecting and preventing such targeted attacks requires vigilance and awareness of the specific tactics employed by attackers.