In today's world, the Internet has grown into an intricate web of information and data exchange. This has empowered businesses globally but also attracted malicious actors who exploit this connectivity to their advantage. One of major cyber threats faced by individuals, small to large enterprises, and even governments, is 'phishing'. Phishing, a social-engineering assault, uses the art of pretension to delude unsuspecting users into providing personal information or downloading malware by posing as trustworthy entities. This article seeks to elucidate the various 'phishing attack types' that often menace the cybersecurity landscape.

A Brush with Phishing Attacks

At its core, phishing is typically made up of two components: a lure and a hook. The lure, usually an email or a message, appears to come from a bank, a social network, or any trusted institution. The hook, usually a web page mimicking something familiar, traps the unsuspecting user into willfully handing over their credentials, leading to subsequent fraudulent activities.

Deconstructing Phishing Attack Types

To fully comprehend the menace posed by phishing attacks, it is necessary to delve into the different phishing attack types in existence today.

1. Email Phishing

In Email Phishing, the attacker sends out generic emails to millions of users. The emails impersonate a legitimate organization and coerce the user into clicking malicious links or attachments, thereby tricking them into revealing sensitive data.

2. Spear Phishing

Spear Phishing, contrary to generic email phishing, is a targeted form of phishing where the attacker possesses knowledge about the target. This bespoke information, such as the user's name, job position, or other personal information, is used to gain the victim's trust before tricking them into revealing confidential information.

3. Whaling

Whaling is a subcategory of Spear Phishing that exclusively targets high-ranked individuals. Attackers misrepresent themselves as senior executives to exploit employee trust and pull off fraudulent financial transactions.

4. Pharming

Pharming is a more advanced form of phishing. It doesn't rely on a victim clicking a link but rather redirects a user to a fake website by exploiting vulnerabilities in DNS server software or infecting a user's computer with malicious code.

5. Smishing and Vishing

Smishing, or SMS phishing, and Vishing, or Voice phishing, are phishing attacks directed through phone calls and SMS. They take advantage of the inherent trust people place on phone-based communication, tricking them into revealing financial or personal details.

6. Clone Phishing

Clone Phishing involves crafting an almost identical, cloned version of a previously delivered, legitimate email, replacing the original link or attachment with a malicious one, and re-sending it from an email address disguised as the original sender.

Guarding Against Phishing Attacks

No matter how types of phishing attacks evolve, implementing strong security practices remains paramount. Regular education and training of users, keeping security systems up-to-date and making use of advanced spam filters can drastically decrease a user's vulnerability to phishing attacks. Additionally, always verify the requester before disclosing personal information and regularly monitor financial transactions.

In conclusion, as technology progresses, cyber threats like phishing attacks are bound to grow sophistically. Understanding the different 'phishing attack types' is the first step towards developing a robust defense against these pervasive threats. Remember, in the war against cybersecurity threats, awareness is your first line of defense.