Phishing: The Evolution of Cyber Deception | SoundHeal

Phishing, a form of social engineering, has been a persistent threat to online security since the 1990s. The first recorded phishing attack occurred in 1996, targeting America Online (AOL) users. Since then, phishing tactics have evolved to include spear phishing, whaling, and smishing, with attackers exploiting human psychology to bypass security measures. According to the FBI, phishing incidents increased by 65% in 2020, resulting in over $54 million in losses. As technology advances, phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the use of AI-generated emails and deepfake audio. The future of phishing defense will rely on AI-powered detection systems and user education, with companies like Google and Microsoft investing heavily in anti-phishing research and development.