Authors: Jarita Das, Abul Kashim Md Fujail
Abstract: Phishing attacks continue to pose a significant threat to individuals, organizations and digital infrastructure worldwide. These attacks rely on social engineering and deceptive tactics to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. This theoretical study aims to explore the statistical patterns and trends that characterize phishing attacks, focusing on the analysis of existing data reported in academic literature and threat intelligence reports. The primary objective is to understand how phishing campaigns are structured over time, what commonalities exist across various attack methods and which contextual factors contribute to their effectiveness. The study investigates key aspects such as the distribution of phishing incidents across industries, the frequency of different phishing techniques and the temporal patterns associated with phishing campaigns. It also examines the common vectors and psychological tactics used by attackers, such as email spoofing, impersonation of trusted brands and urgency-driven messaging. By analyzing these elements from a theoretical standpoint, the paper seeks to establish a foundational understanding of how statistical patterns can inform proactive defense strategies. While this study does not involve empirical data collection or experimental analysis, it synthesizes insights from prior research and statistical summaries to identify consistent trends and gaps in current understanding. The findings aim to support future empirical investigations and guide the development of more effective phishing prevention frameworks.
International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology