---
type: "term"
title: "Whaling"
description: "A targeted phishing attack aimed specifically at senior executives or high value targets within an organization."
resource: "tlctc:term:whaling"
tags:
  - "glossary"
---
# Whaling

A targeted phishing attack aimed specifically at senior executives or high-value targets within an organization. In TLCTC: maps to `#9 Social Engineering` — the seniority of the target is an operational detail that does not change the cluster classification. Often used in BEC (Business Email Compromise) / CEO Fraud scenarios. Subsequent steps map to their respective clusters.

**Reference:** V1.9.1 Buzz-Word Refinement (#9)

See also: Social Engineering (#9), Spear Phishing, Phishing