What is a spear phishing attack?

A spear phishing attack is a highly targeted attempt to steal sensitive information such as account credentials or financial information from a specific individual, often for malicious reasons like financial gain or corporate espionage. This type of attack relies on personalization and detailed research about the target, making it more effective than general spam or phishing attempts.

While it is true that malicious files or attachments can be part of a spear phishing attack, the core characteristic of spear phishing lies in its focus on targeting a specific individual rather than just sending out general malicious emails. This tailored approach distinguishes it from more common forms of phishing where emails are sent broadly to many potential victims without personalization.

The other options describe different forms of cyber attacks or phishing. General spam emails may contain malicious intents but are not personalized and thus do not qualify as spear phishing. Similarly, not all spear phishing attacks are limited to organizations with high financial value; they can target individuals within less prominent organizations as well. Therefore, the defining aspect of spear phishing as targeting a specific individual sets it apart as the most relevant and accurate understanding of this type of attack.