Comprehensive explanation of phishing kits: Pre-packaged, web-based tools designed for executing phishing attacks

In the digital age, online security has become a paramount concern for businesses and individuals alike. One of the most prevalent threats in this realm is phishing, a social attack related to social engineering.

Phishing is a method used by cybercriminals to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and financial details. These attacks can be as basic or customized as needed, targeting specific groups or individuals within a company (known as spear phishing).

Phishing kits, the web component of a phishing attack, are designed to mirror legitimate websites. They are developed using a mix of basic HTML and PHP, and can block IP ranges belonging to security companies, universities, Tor exit nodes, and tech giants, making them harder to detect.

Some phishing kits, like the Brazilian phishing kit, are capable of generating QR codes for Brazil's PIX instant payment system. Others, such as the Kr3pto phishing kit, target customers of financial institutions, going after usernames, passwords, and secondary authentication data like SMS-based PINs or security question answers.

In March 2021, phishing kits were reported to have features like anti-bot protection and real-time phishing. The Ex-Robotos phishing kit, for instance, uses an API to steal corporate credentials. Akamai monitored 220,000 hits to the Ex-Robotos API IP address in a 43-day period from January to February.

Phishing attacks can trick victims by spoofing as many as 11 well-known brands. Vishing, phishing via telephone, is another method used by cybercriminals.

Phishing attacks can be successful in the short term, especially if the victim reuses passwords, due to the prevalence of supply chain attacks and lack of awareness training on third-party services. However, there are ways to protect against these attacks.

Questioning everything and using 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) whenever possible can help protect against phishing attacks. 2FA can provide an additional layer of security, making it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your sensitive information.

Criminals register new domains by the thousands to avoid detection. But with vigilance and a keen eye, you can help safeguard your digital life from these threats. Stay safe and secure online!