What is the name of the attack that redirects web traffic to a spoofed website?

Pharming is the attack that involves redirecting web traffic from a legitimate website to a spoofed or fraudulent website without the user's consent. This often occurs by altering the DNS settings or exploiting vulnerabilities in a web browser or website. When users attempt to access a known site, they are instead sent to a malicious site designed to steal their personal information, login credentials, or financial data.

The effectiveness of pharming lies in its ability to deceive users into thinking they are navigating to a trusted website, making them more susceptible to providing sensitive information. It operates silently and can affect many users simultaneously, as it manipulates the system at a level that is not easily detected by the average user.

Understanding pharming is essential in cybersecurity, as it highlights the importance of monitoring domain name systems and implementing strong security measures, such as DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), to help mitigate such threats. Recognizing the difference between pharming and related terms like phishing, which typically involves deceptive emails or messages to trick users into revealing information, helps in better understanding the various methods cybercriminals use to exploit vulnerabilities.