What form of phishing relies on deceit using voice communication methods?

The correct answer is Vishing, which is a term derived from "voice" and "phishing." This type of phishing attack leverages telephone communication to deceive individuals into sharing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. Attackers often masquerade as legitimate entities, such as banks or government officials, to build trust and manipulate victims over the phone.

Vishing is particularly concerning because it utilizes human interaction, making it harder for individuals to recognize deceit compared to traditional email phishing. Cybercriminals may time their calls to coincide with events, such as data breaches, to create a sense of urgency, leading victims to divulge sensitive information more readily.

In contrast, other terms and types of phishing mentioned do not specifically involve voice communication. For example, whaling refers to targeted phishing attacks aimed at high-profile individuals within organizations, while hoaxes involve spreading misinformation without necessarily seeking personal data. Spear phishing, like whaling, targets specific individuals but typically uses email rather than voice communication. Thus, Vishing is distinctly characterized by its reliance on voice communication methods in its deceptive practices.