Pharming is a type of cyberattack that redirects internet users to fake websites to steal personal or financial information, such as login credentials, credit card details, or social security numbers. It is a sophisticated type of fraudulent activity that can affect anyone on any platform. Pharming is similar to phishing, but instead of relying on email as the attack vector, it uses malicious code executed on the victim’s device to redirect to an attacker-controlled website. The term "pharming" is a neologism based on the words "farming" and "phishing". Pharming can be conducted either by changing the hosts file on a victims computer or by exploitation of a server.

Pharming involves two stages: Firstly, the hackers install malicious code on the victims computer or server. Secondly, the code sends the victim to a fake website, where they may be deceived into providing personal information. Unlike phishing, pharming does not require that initial click to take the victim to a fraudulent website. Different types of pharming attacks can be combined with other social engineering techniques, such as phishing emails or deceptive website designs, to increase their effectiveness.

Pharming has become a major concern to businesses hosting ecommerce and online banking websites. Sophisticated measures known as anti-pharming are required to protect against this serious threat. There are many steps that can be taken to prevent pharming and other malicious attacks from occurring, such as keeping computers updated, using anti-virus software, and being cautious of suspicious emails or links.