What does 'vishing' refer to in cybersecurity?

Vishing refers specifically to voice phishing, a tactic where attackers use phone calls to deceive individuals into disclosing sensitive personal information. In these scenarios, attackers often pose as legitimate institutions, creating a sense of urgency or trust to manipulate the target into providing confidential details such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or account passwords. This method capitalizes on the direct and personal nature of voice communication, making it easier for attackers to build rapport and exploit vulnerabilities in a victim's judgment. The focus of vishing on voice communication distinguishes it clearly from other forms of phishing that utilize different mediums, such as email or text messages.