whaling

Whaling in cybersecurity refers to large-scale, targeted cyberattacks aimed at high-profile individuals, organizations, or government entities. These attacks often use personalized methods, like crafted emails or messages, to deceive the recipient into revealing sensitive information or granting access. Unlike broad, mass malware campaigns, whaling focuses on specific victims, often with meticulous research to increase success. It is considered highly sophisticated and dangerous, as it can lead to significant security breaches, financial loss, or compromised data. The term draws parallels to whale hunting—large, precise, and impactful—highlighting the attack's size and targeted nature.