Callback Phishing: The Deceptive Tactic Fueling Targeted Cyber Attacks

Callback phishing is a sophisticated social engineering attack where cybercriminals trick victims into calling a fake support number, often posing as legitimate tech or billing departments. Unlike traditional phishing, this method avoids suspicious links and instead relies on fear-inducing messages—like account suspensions or unauthorized charges—to prompt a callback. Once connected, attackers use persuasion to extract sensitive information or install malware. This tactic is harder to detect and bypasses common email filters. To stay protected, businesses should train employees to verify unsolicited messages, avoid calling unknown numbers, and report suspicious communications. Awareness is the first line of defense against callback phishing.