What is a common characteristic of the 'whaling' phishing attack?

Whaling phishing attacks are characterized by their specific target audience: high-profile executives and similar individuals within an organization. The primary motive behind this type of attack is to exploit the authority and access level of these individuals, which can lead to significant financial gain or unauthorized access to sensitive information. Unlike regular phishing attempts that may target a broad audience, whaling hones in on key figures, often referred to as "whales." This tailored approach typically involves more sophisticated and personalized tactics to increase the likelihood of success.

The other options do not accurately depict the essence of whaling. Targeting low-profile individuals reflects a different kind of phishing attack that does not focus on high-stakes targets. Instant messaging platforms, while they may be used in various phishing schemes, are not a defining characteristic of whaling. Similarly, sending regular phishing emails lacks the high-profile specificity that defines whaling attacks. Thus, focusing on high-profile executives captures the primary characteristic that distinguishes whaling from other phishing strategies.