Voice phishing, also known as vishing, describes an attack where an individual makes a personal or automated voice call to another person to get that person’s login credentials.

Vishing example

An attacker may call an employee of a company using VoIP and using social engineering pretends to be with the support department. Then, they indicate they need the user’s VPN login details to move their account to a new server. The attacker may even create a sense of urgency by indicating the employee will be unable to log in to the new VPN and work if they don’t get their details.

Vishing attacks are becoming more prevalent as more people know about e-mail phishing and are working from home.

If the attacker gets the user’s details, they can access the company’s VPN and may obtain private information for financial gain or disrupt the company’s network.

Computer crime, Computer slang, Phishing, Security terms, Social engineering

When dealing with anyone over e-mail or the phone, never tell them your login details. If this person were from support, they could move or reset your account without needing to know your password.

  • How to protect yourself while on the Internet.
  • How to prevent unauthorized computer access.
  • Computer security help and support.