{"id":18214,"date":"2025-07-19T17:56:47","date_gmt":"2025-07-19T12:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/learn.razorpay.in\/learn\/?p=18214"},"modified":"2026-02-09T18:32:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T13:02:14","slug":"pharming-attack","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/razorpay.com\/learn\/pharming-attack\/","title":{"rendered":"Pharming Attack: What It Is, How It Works & How to Prevent It"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that in Q1 2026, Kaspersky detected nearly<\/span> 10 million<\/span><\/a> web-borne threats targeting Indian users \u2014 and 16.9% of internet users in India faced these risks? Among these threats, one of the most dangerous yet lesser-known is the <\/span>pharming attack<\/b>. You could type the correct web address in your browser and still land on a fake site ready to steal your information \u2014 that\u2019s pharming in action.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read this article to learn what pharming is, how a pharming attack works, and what you can do right now to stay protected.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Pharming Attack in Cybersecurity?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>pharming attack<\/b> is a type of cyber threat that secretly redirects you to a fake website, even when you type the correct web address.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, you type<\/span> hdfcbank.com<\/span><\/i><\/a> in your browser, but instead of the real site, you reach a perfect clone designed to steal your login details. You wouldn\u2019t suspect anything \u2014 until your bank account gets emptied. That\u2019s why a pharming attack is one of the trickiest threats you need to watch out for.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Pharming Attacks Work?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A <\/span>pharming attack<\/b> works by corrupting the way your device connects to websites. It mainly happens in two ways: Domain Name System (DNS) poisoning and host file manipulation.<\/span><\/p>\n

In DNS poisoning, criminals compromise a DNS server or your local network\u2019s router settings. When you type a genuine web address, the poisoned DNS silently sends you to a fake website instead of the real one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another method is modifying the host file on your device. This file matches domain names with IP addresses. If it\u2019s altered, your browser gets tricked into loading a spoofed site even when you enter the correct URL.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike phishing<\/a>, a pharming attack doesn\u2019t need you to click a suspicious link. One poisoned DNS server can redirect thousands of users at once, putting many victims at risk without their knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

[Your Browser]\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2193<\/b><\/p>\n

[Poisoned DNS or Altered Host File]\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2193<\/b><\/p>\n

[Spoofed Fake Site]<\/b><\/p>\n

Pharming vs Phishing: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Pharming<\/b><\/td>\nPhishing<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
You type the real website address, but you\u2019re secretly redirected to a fake page.<\/span><\/td>\nYou get a fake email, message, or link that tries to fool you into clicking it.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
It changes how your computer or network connects to websites, often through your router or DNS.<\/span><\/td>\nIt depends on fake emails, texts, or pop-ups pretending to be from trusted companies.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
It\u2019s more technical and runs in the background, so spotting it is tough.<\/span><\/td>\nIt works by fooling you into clicking a fake link or sharing your personal details.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common Signs of a Pharming Attack<\/b><\/h2>\n