Phishing: Spearphishing Voice
- ID
- T1566.004
- Tactics
- TA0001 Initial Access
- Sub-technique of
- T1566 Phishing
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Windows, Identity Provider
- Data sources
- Application Log Content
- Source
- attack.mitre.org
- MITRE last modified
- 12 May 2026
Adversaries may use voice communications to ultimately gain access to victim systems. Spearphishing voice is a specific variant of spearphishing. It is different from other forms of spearphishing in that it employs the use of manipulating a user into providing access to systems through a phone call or other forms of voice communications. Spearphishing frequently involves social engineering techniques, such as posing as a trusted source (ex: Impersonation) and/or creating a sense of urgency or alarm for the recipient.
All forms of phishing are electronically delivered social engineering. In this scenario, adversaries are not directly sending malware to a victim vice relying on User Execution for delivery and execution. For example, victims may receive phishing messages that instruct them to call a phone number where they are directed to visit a malicious URL, download malware,[2][3] or install adversary-accessible remote management tools (Remote Access Tools) onto their computer.[4]
Adversaries may also combine voice phishing with Multi-Factor Authentication Request Generation in order to trick users into divulging MFA credentials or accepting authentication prompts.[5]
Detection
- DET0245 Detection Strategy for Spearphishing Voice across OS platforms
Data components: Application Log Content
Mitigations (1)
- M1017 User Training
Users can be trained to identify and report social engineering techniques and spearphishing attempts, while also being suspicious of and verifying the identify of callers.[1]
