As an expert in cybersecurity, I have extensive knowledge on various forms of cyber threats, including the one you're asking about: pharming. Pharming is a malicious practice that is closely related to phishing but operates in a different way. Unlike phishing, which typically relies on tricking users into providing their sensitive information through deceptive emails or websites, pharming involves redirecting users to fraudulent websites without their knowledge or consent. Let's delve deeper into how pharming works, step by step.
Step 1: DNS Cache Poisoning
The first and most common method of pharming is through DNS cache poisoning. DNS, or Domain Name System, is the phonebook of the internet. It translates human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other. When a hacker manages to poison the DNS cache, they can alter the mapping between a domain name and its corresponding IP address. This means that when a user types in a URL, instead of being directed to the legitimate website, they are sent to a fraudulent one set up by the hacker.
Step 2: Compromise of DNS Servers
To perform DNS cache poisoning, hackers often target DNS servers. They might exploit vulnerabilities in the server software or gain unauthorized access through social engineering tactics. Once they have control, they can manipulate the DNS records to point to their own servers.
Step 3: Malware Distribution
Another way hackers can execute pharming attacks is by infecting users' computers with malware. This can be done through various means, such as drive-by downloads from compromised websites, malicious email attachments, or software vulnerabilities. Once the malware is installed, it can alter the system's DNS settings or hosts file, redirecting any attempts to visit certain websites to the hacker's server.
Step 4: Data Theft and Identity Theft
When users are redirected to these fraudulent websites, they might be asked to enter their login credentials, credit card information, or other sensitive data. Because the URL appears legitimate, users are often unaware that they are on a fake site and willingly provide the information, which the hackers can then use for identity theft or financial gain.
Step 5: HTTPS and SSL Stripping
To make the phishing site more convincing, hackers may also use SSL stripping. This technique involves intercepting and decrypting encrypted information, such as that which is exchanged between a user's browser and a legitimate website. By presenting a fake SSL certificate, the hacker can trick the browser into thinking the connection is secure, even though the user's data is being sent over an unencrypted connection.
Step 6: Maintaining Persistence
Hackers often use various techniques to maintain their access to the compromised systems. This could include updating the malware, changing DNS settings, or using other methods to ensure that the pharming redirects continue to work, even if the user restarts their computer or network connection.
Step 7: Evasion and Camouflage
To avoid detection, hackers employ several strategies. They may use anonymizing networks, regularly change the IP addresses of their servers, or employ other tactics to make it harder for cybersecurity professionals to trace the source of the attack.

Pharming is a serious threat to internet security and user privacy. It's important for individuals and organizations to be vigilant, use security software, and keep their systems up to date to protect against such attacks.

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Pharming is is a type of phishing that hackers use to steal personal and sensitive information from victims on the internet. Malicious code is injected into the user's computer system. This is known as DNS cache poisoning. The DNS system, which used to resolve domain names into IP addresses, is corrupted.read more >>