What method does pharming use to mislead users?

Pharming is a cyber attack that specifically targets users by manipulating the Domain Name System (DNS) settings, which leads them to fraudulent websites without their knowledge. This process involves altering the IP addresses associated with legitimate domain names, often through malware or unauthorized access to DNS servers. As a result, when users attempt to visit a legitimate website, they are unknowingly redirected to a malicious site designed to mimic the original, which can lead to unauthorized data collection or theft.

This method is particularly dangerous because it can occur without any direct interaction from the user and often bypasses traditional security measures like URL checks. Users may believe they are on a valid site, entering personal information unaware that it is being captured by attackers. Understanding pharming reinforces the importance of using secure connections, verifying URLs, and maintaining updated DNS records to mitigate such risks.