Which is a characteristic of whaling attacks?

Whaling attacks are a form of phishing that specifically targets high-profile individuals within an organization, such as senior executives or other significant decision-makers. The primary characteristic of whaling attacks is their focus on these high-level targets because they have access to sensitive information and can initiate substantial financial transactions.

The attack methods are often more sophisticated than regular phishing attempts, utilizing personalized information and tailored messages to deceive the target. This makes it more likely that the targeted executives will fall for the scam, as the threat actors exploit their status and perceived authority.

In contrast, the other options touch on different aspects of online attacks or cyber threats but do not accurately describe the specific nature and intent of whaling attacks.