What type of phishing attack targets high-profile individuals such as CFOs to extract valuable information?

The type of phishing attack that specifically targets high-profile individuals, such as CFOs and other executives, is known as whaling. Whaling is a form of spear phishing, but it is distinguished by the high-value targets it usually focuses on. In this context, attackers create highly personalized emails or communications that appear legitimate to deceive these individuals into divulging sensitive information or taking harmful actions.

This method typically involves extensive research on the target to craft convincing messages, making it particularly effective. High-profile targets often have access to significant financial information or sensitive corporate data, which makes them attractive to attackers. By focusing on individuals at the top of an organization, whaling exploits the trust and authority these individuals hold, thus increasing the likelihood of success in the phishing attempt.

Other terms, like spear phishing, refer to targeting specific individuals but do not necessarily denote the high-profile nature of the targets. Pharming is a technique that redirects users from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones and is not limited to specific individuals. Identity theft involves stealing personal information to impersonate someone but does not describe the method of targeting individuals through phishing tactics.