--- title: Jericho's Cybersecurity Glossary | Whaling description: Whaling is a specific type of phishing attack that targets high-profile individuals within an organization, such as executives or key decision-makers, using personalized and often sophisticated methods. image: //www.jerichosecurity.com/hubfs/assets/images/jericho-featured-image.jpg --- [![Jericho Security logo](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/hubfs/assets/images/Jericho-Security.svg)](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/) [![Jericho Security logo](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/hubfs/assets/images/Jericho-Security.svg)](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/) - Why Jericho Why choose Jericho Security? See what sets Jericho Security apart from the rest. 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[← back to glossary](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary) # Whaling #### *Definition:* Whaling is a specific type of phishing attack that targets high-profile individuals within an organization, such as executives or key decision-makers, using personalized and often sophisticated methods. #### *Use Cases:* - Used by attackers to trick executives into transferring funds or divulging sensitive company information. - Employed in attacks that aim to gain access to high-value corporate accounts or systems. #### *Related Terms:* - [Phishing](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/phishing) - [Spear Phishing](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/spear-phishing) - [Social Engineering](https://www.jerichosecurity.com/glossary/social-engineering) - Credential Theft #### *Questions and Answers:* - **How is whaling different from regular phishing?**Whaling is highly targeted, focusing on key individuals within an organization, while regular phishing is more generic and sent to a broad audience. - **What are the consequences of a successful whaling attack?**Consequences can include financial losses, unauthorized access to critical systems, and the exposure of sensitive corporate data. - **How can organizations protect against whaling attacks?**Organizations can protect against whaling by training executives on the risks, implementing strict security protocols, and using multi-factor authentication. 1. 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