While people often use the terms "phishing" and "spam" interchangeably, it is important to note that they have distinct meanings. In reality, these phrases describe two separate types of unwelcome emails, messages, and more that aim to manipulate recipients into certain actions.

Here in this article, let’s discuss how phishing differs from spam.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a form of cyber attack in which attackers use deceptive tactics to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, usernames, credit card details, or other personal data. Typically, it entails sending fraudulent emails, text messages, or instant messages that appear to originate from legitimate sources, such as social media platforms, banks, or reputable organizations.

Types of Phishing Attacks

What is Spam?

Spam is typically defined as any unsolicited or unexpected commercial message. Spam aims to reach as many individuals as possible with messages promoting goods and services. These messages are not inherently harmful; they take up needless space in your inbox and are undesirable. Here are some examples of spam:

• Advertising of retailers, dating sites, gambling, etc.
• Schemes to get rich fast (You have Won! Please accept your gift.)
• Fake virus alerts
• Email chains

How do Phishing and Spam Work?

Phishing begins with an email or other message intended to entice a victim. The email is designed to appear to have originated from a reliable source. If the victim is fooled, they are persuaded to provide private information, generally on a fake website. Malware is sometimes downloaded into the victim's workstation.

Spam, on the other hand, floods email inboxes with unsolicited messages, often promoting products or containing malicious links.

Both tactics rely on psychological manipulation, exploiting curiosity or urgency to lure recipients. While phishing seeks specific information, spam aims to reach a large audience. Vigilance, cautious clicking, and strong security measures are crucial defenses against these threats.

Phishing vs. Spam

Email is the most commonly used phishing and spamming tactic. Here are the differences between phishing and spam.
Parameters
Phishing
Purpose
● To deceive the audience

Nature
● False emails, messages that seem to be sent by reliable sources but are malicious in intent

Contain
● Malicious attachments, infected links, links that lead to malicious websites, and trick texts that demand sensitive information like PII or financial information from users

Legislation
● United States federal criminal law and other state legislation

Spam
Purpose
● To market and advertise goods and services

Nature
● Emails from unwanted businesses that are often not hazardous

Contain
● Advertisements for goods or services, discount codes, inquiries, or survey forms

Legislation
● United States Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 regarding other countries, spam statutes

How can InfosecTrain help?

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