What term is used to describe phishing emails targeted at high-profile individuals, such as executives and celebrities?

The term used to describe phishing emails specifically aimed at high-profile individuals, such as executives and celebrities, is "whaling." This type of attack focuses on high-value targets, with the intent of extracting sensitive information or financial gain. Whaling is a sophisticated form of phishing that typically involves tailored messages, making them appear more legitimate and relevant to the recipient.

In contrast, other terms like "pharming" refer to redirecting users from legitimate sites to fraudulent ones, while "spamming" involves sending unsolicited messages to a large number of recipients, irrespective of their profile. "Spear phishing," although related, generally targets specific individuals or organizations but does not exclusively focus on high-profile figures, as whaling does. This distinction underscores the targeted nature of whaling attacks, emphasizing their strategic approach to exploiting the vulnerabilities of influential individuals.