What distinguishes spear phishing from regular phishing?

Spear phishing is characterized by its targeted approach, which sets it apart from regular phishing. It specifically targets a particular individual, group, or organization. This means that the attacker tailors their approach based on the information they have gathered about the target. This can include leveraging personal details, such as the target's name, job title, or specific interests, to make the deceptive message more convincing and likely to elicit a response.

Regular phishing, on the other hand, typically involves sending out generic messages to a wide audience with the expectation that some individuals will fall for the scam. By contrast, spear phishing is much more precise and can lead to significantly higher success rates for the attacker due to its personalized nature.

The other options do not accurately reflect the defining features of spear phishing. For instance, spear phishing does not involve using less advanced techniques; rather, it often utilizes sophisticated tactics to increase its effectiveness. Additionally, physical access is not a necessary component of spear phishing, which primarily operates through online communication channels.