What is phishing?

Phishing is best understood as a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data, often through deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from trustworthy sources. The primary goal of phishing is to trick individuals into providing their confidential information by masquerading as a legitimate entity.

This practice takes advantage of social engineering techniques, where attackers exploit human emotions like fear, urgency, or curiosity. For example, a phishing email may claim that there is an issue with your bank account and prompt you to click a link and enter your account details. By using tactics that mimic authentic communication, cybercriminals can successfully deceive individuals, leading to data breaches or identity theft.

Understanding phishing is critical for individuals and organizations as it helps in recognizing the signs of such attacks and implementing strategies to protect sensitive information. Educating users about how to identify suspicious communications is a vital component of cybersecurity practices.