PHARMING Meaning and
Definition
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Pharming is a term that refers to a malicious cyber attack technique aimed at redirecting online users to counterfeit websites or fraudulent versions of legitimate websites. It is a combination of the words "farming" and "phishing." In a pharming attack, hackers exploit vulnerabilities in a computer system, such as DNS (Domain Name System), to redirect the traffic from a legitimate website to a fake one without the user's knowledge or consent.
The purpose of pharming is to deceive users into entering their sensitive information such as passwords, usernames, credit card details, or personal data on these fake websites. By doing so, cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to personal accounts, steal sensitive information, commit identity theft, or engage in other forms of fraudulent activities.
Unlike phishing, where attackers use email or instant messaging to trick users into visiting fake websites, pharming doesn't require the victim to click on any malicious link. This poses a higher level of risk as users may be lured into the fraudulent website simply by typing in the correct URL or clicking on a legitimate search engine result.
To protect against pharming attacks, it is crucial to keep computer systems and software updated with the latest security patches, utilize strong and unique passwords, be cautious while clicking on links, and regularly monitor financial accounts for suspicious activity. Additionally, implementing security measures such as using antivirus software, firewalls, and secure browsing protocols can help enhance protection against pharming attacks.
Common Misspellings for PHARMING
- pharmng
- oharming
- lharming
- 0harming
- pgarming
- pbarming
- pnarming
- pjarming
- puarming
- pyarming
- phzrming
- phsrming
- phwrming
- phqrming
- phaeming
- phadming
- phafming
- phatming
- pha5ming
- pha4ming
Etymology of PHARMING
The word "pharming" is a combination of the words "phishing" and "farming". "Phishing" originated from the word "fishing", where the act of "phishing" implies attempting to lure or deceive individuals into divulging their sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or banking details. The term "farming" is derived from the practice of cultivating and harvesting crops or animals. In the context of "pharming", it signifies the cultivation or manipulation of websites or DNS (Domain Name System) servers to redirect users to malicious websites or collect their personal information. So, "pharming" combines these two concepts, referring to the practice of redirecting or luring users to fraudulent websites for the purpose of stealing their personal information.
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