Browse Definitions :
Definition

phishing kit

A phishing kit is a collection of software tools that makes it easier for people with little or no technical skills to launch a phishing exploit. Phishing is a type of internet scam in which the perpetrator sends out spoofed e-mails or text messages that appear to come from a legitimate source. The goal is to trick the recipient into performing a specific action that will benefit the attacker -- typically, this involves getting the victim to click on a malicious link, open an infected attachment or authorize a transfer of funds.

A phishing kit typically includes Web site development software that has a simple, low-code/no-code graphical user interface (GUI). This type of crimeware kit typically comes complete with email templates, graphics and sample scripts that can be used to create convincing imitations of legitimate correspondence. For an additional price, some kits may also include lists of e-mail addresses, telephone numbers and software for automating the malware distribution process.

Security experts recommend that users refrain from clicking on links in unexpected messages purporting to be from a site they have financial dealings with. If unsure whether a message is valid, users should go directly to the official site and seek information there, or contact the site's customer service department.

Phishing as a Service kits (PaaS kits)

According to Cyren, a SaaS security provider, cloud-based phishing-as-a-service kits are available on the dark web for as little as $50 a month. When phishing websites are hosted on legitimate public cloud services, criminals are able to present legitimate domains and SSL certificates, which can trick even the most experienced end user into thinking a given phishing web page or email is trustworthy.

Popular security exploits

Phishing kits are often used to carry out the following cybersecurity exploits:

Spear phishing - an email spoofing attack that targets a specific organization or individual, seeking unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Whaling - a specific type of phishing attack that targets high-profile employees, such as the CEO or CFO.

SMiShing - a security attack in which the user is sent a text message designed to tricks them into downloading a Trojan horse, virus or other malware.

Vishing - an electronic fraud tactic conducted by voice email, VoIP (voice over IP), landline telephone or cellular telephone.

This was last updated in March 2020

Continue Reading About phishing kit

Networking
  • firewall as a service (FWaaS)

    Firewall as a service (FWaaS), also known as a cloud firewall, is a service that provides cloud-based network traffic analysis ...

  • private 5G

    Private 5G is a wireless network technology that delivers 5G cellular connectivity for private network use cases.

  • NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure)

    NFVi (network functions virtualization infrastructure) encompasses all of the networking hardware and software needed to support ...

Security
  • virus (computer virus)

    A computer virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a program or file. A virus can replicate and spread across an ...

  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

    Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is an advanced certification that indicates that an individual possesses the ...

  • cryptography

    Cryptography is a method of protecting information and communications using codes, so that only those for whom the information is...

CIO
  • B2B (business to business)

    B2B (business-to-business) is a type of commerce involving the exchange of products, services or information between businesses, ...

  • return on investment (ROI)

    Return on investment (ROI) is a crucial financial metric investors and businesses use to evaluate an investment's efficiency or ...

  • big data as a service (BDaaS)

    Big data as a service (BDaS) is the delivery of data platforms and tools by a cloud provider to help organizations process, ...

HRSoftware
  • talent acquisition

    Talent acquisition is the strategic process an organization uses to identify, recruit and hire the people it needs to achieve its...

  • human capital management (HCM)

    Human capital management (HCM) is a comprehensive set of practices and tools used for recruiting, managing and developing ...

  • Betterworks

    Betterworks is performance management software that helps workforces and organizations to improve manager effectiveness and ...

Customer Experience
  • martech (marketing technology)

    Martech (marketing technology) refers to the integration of software tools, platforms, and applications designed to streamline ...

  • transactional marketing

    Transactional marketing is a business strategy that focuses on single, point-of-sale transactions.

  • customer profiling

    Customer profiling is the detailed and systematic process of constructing a clear portrait of a company's ideal customer by ...

Close