Understanding Vishing: A Comprehensive Study Of The Emerging Cybercrime

Raman Goyal, BBA LLB [H], Amity University, Noida

ABSTRACT:

This research paper explores the phenomenon of vishing, a specific type of cybercrime that leverages voice communication technology to deceive victims. Vishing, a portmanteau of "voice" and "phishing," involves criminals using telephony to trick individuals into divulging personal, financial, or confidential information. This paper delves into the various categories of vishing, examines notable examples, analyses the consequences for both individuals and organizations and discusses potential measures to combat this growing threat.

1. Introduction

In the digital age, cybercriminals continuously evolve their tactics to exploit technological vulnerabilities. Vishing has emerged as a prominent threat, targeting unsuspecting individuals through voice communication channels. This section introduces vishing, its origins, and its relevance in the broader context of cybercrime.

2. Definition and Mechanisms of Vishing

Vishing is a type of social engineering attack where fraudsters use voice communication to impersonate trusted entities, such as banks, government agencies, or reputable companies. Unlike traditional phishing, which relies on emails or fake websites, vishing capitalizes on the personal nature of voice calls to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information.

2.1 Mechanisms of Vishing

Caller ID Spoofing: Criminals use technology to manipulate caller IDs, making it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source.