Pharming Attack: What It Is and How to Stay Safe

The term pharming is increasingly common in the field of digital security, but not everyone knows its exact meaning. In IT, pharming is a type of online fraud aimed at deceiving users by directing them to fake websites created to steal sensitive data such as passwords, banking codes, or personal information.

The concept is directly linked to everyday browsing: even if a user types the correct web address, manipulated traffic can redirect them to a malicious page. This makes pharming particularly hard to detect, especially for those unfamiliar with cybersecurity.

How Pharming Works

A pharming attack manipulates the DNS system—the service that translates website names (e.g., www.italgas.it) into numeric IP addresses. By altering this process, cybercriminals redirect users to fraudulent websites, even if the URL was entered correctly.

Unlike phishing, pharming does not require users to click a suspicious link or take any action. This makes it especially dangerous: even the most careful users can fall victim. Technically, pharming can be carried out by compromising a single computer or directly tampering with a DNS server, amplifying the scale of the attack.

Difference Between Phishing and Pharming

Phishing and pharming are often confused, but they are two distinct types of cyberattacks. Phishing usually involves fraudulent emails, messages, or phone calls that attempt to trick users into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information.

Pharming, on the other hand, is more deceptive because it does not necessarily require user interaction. Simply connecting to the internet may be enough to fall into the trap. In short, phishing targets people through communication, while pharming operates at a technical level, manipulating internet navigation itself. Both, however, share the same goal: stealing sensitive information.

How to Protect Against Pharming

Defending against pharming attacks is not easy, but there are several best practices users can adopt. First, always keep operating systems, browsers, and security software updated. An effective antivirus, combined with a firewall, can help prevent malware infections that compromise local computer files.

It is also essential to pay attention while browsing. Always check that websites are protected with HTTPS, verify the accuracy of the URL in the browser’s address bar, and enable multi-factor authentication for sensitive online services (such as banking). Another layer of protection can be achieved by using secure DNS services, which can filter out malicious redirection attempts.

How to Prevent Pharming Attacks

Prevention is the key to reducing the risks of pharming online. On a personal level, users should adopt safe digital behaviors, such as avoiding suspicious downloads, not clicking on unknown links, and watching for warning signs (e.g., websites that look slightly different than usual).

At the corporate level, organizations must implement advanced cybersecurity measures, including DNS server protection, anomaly monitoring systems, and continuous employee training.

Another crucial element is awareness. Understanding what pharming is and how it manifests allows faster responses and the ability to report anomalies. Companies handling large amounts of data—such as banks, utilities, and online services—should invest in robust IT infrastructures to minimize vulnerabilities.

Only through prevention, awareness, and strong security systems will it be possible to limit the damage of one of the most dangerous cyber threats of our time.

Phishing: www.italgas.it/innovazione/i-vocaboli-della-cyber-security/phishing/

Cybersecurity: www.italgas.it/innovazione/cybersecurity/italgas-cyber-security/

Malware: www.italgas.it/innovazione/i-vocaboli-della-cyber-security/malware-cosa-sono-e-come-evitarli/