Pharming is a cyberattack that redirects users from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones without their knowledge or consent. This attack aims to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data.
Key Methods of Pharming:
- Malware Infection: Malicious software alters DNS settings or hosts files on a victim’s computer, redirecting them to fake websites.
- DNS cache poisoning: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in DNS servers to corrupt the mapping of domain names to IP addresses.
Pharming differs from phishing because it does not require user interaction, such as clicking a link in an email.
Signs of a Potential Pharming Attack:
- Unexpected website redirects.
- Unfamiliar login pages.
- Requests for sensitive information on non-secure sites.
To Protect Against Pharming Attacks:
- Use antivirus and anti-malware software.
- Keep software updated with security patches.
- Verify website URLs before entering personal information.
Pharming poses significant risks due to its stealthy nature and potential for widespread impact.