# The big catch: How whaling attacks target top executives

DevFeed: [The big catch: How whaling attacks target top executives](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/the-big-catch-how-whaling-attacks-target-top-executives-8321.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/business-security/big-catch-how-whaling-attacks-target-top-executives/>)

Author: Phil Muncaster

Published: 2025-12-09T10:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [WeLiveSecurity](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/welivesecurity.md>)

Topics: [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>), [Social engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/social-engineering.md>), [Reconnaissance](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/recon.md>), [Vishing](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/vishing.md>), [MFA](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/mfa.md>)

Tags: [attacks](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/attacks.md>), [business](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/business.md>), [business-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/business-security.md>), [corporate](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/corporate.md>), [mfa](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mfa.md>), [phishing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/phishing.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [social-engineering](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/social-engineering.md>), [vishing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/vishing.md>)

## AI overview

This article explains whaling attacks, a form of targeted phishing, vishing, smishing, or business email compromise aimed at senior corporate executives. It describes how attackers exploit executives' limited time, public visibility, and access to sensitive information and financial authority, including through malware-laced Zoom invitations and detailed reconnaissance.

## Source excerpt

Is your organization's senior leadership vulnerable to a cyber-harpooning? Learn how to keep them safe.