Common Vishing Techniques

Vishing, or voice phishing, is a form of social engineering where attackers call victims pretending to be from trusted sources like banks, government agencies, or tech support. Their goal is to trick people into revealing credentials, financial details, or granting system access.

Common Vishing Tactics

• Caller ID Spoofing: The call appears to come from a legitimate number, like your bank or a government agency.

• Pretexting: The attacker spins a convincing story, such as a fraud alert or refund offer, to gain your trust.

• Impersonation: Some pose as IT support or help desks to request remote access or sensitive login info.

• Automated Voicemail Threats: These use recorded messages claiming an account breach or suspicious activity.

How to Protect Yourself

• Verify Caller Identity: If something feels off, hang up and call the organization’s official number directly.

• Don’t Share Credentials: Never reveal login details, security codes, or PINs over the phone—no legitimate organization will ask for them.

• Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Even if your credentials are compromised, MFA adds another layer of security.

• Train Employees: Regular awareness sessions help staff recognize and avoid social engineering tricks.

What Organizations Should Do

• Caller Verification Policy: Establish protocols that require identity confirmation before any sensitive info is shared.

• Anti-Phishing Tools: Use software to flag suspicious calls or phone numbers.

• Incident Response Plan: Ensure your team knows how to report and respond to vishing attempts.

• Maintain Updated Contact Lists: Staff should always be familiar with official vendor and partner contact numbers.

Final Thoughts

Vishing works because it builds on trust and urgency. A calm, informed response is the best defense. Always verify calls, never share sensitive data over the phone, and train your team to stay alert.

If something sounds suspicious, report it. Fast action helps prevent damage.