What is phishing?

Phishing is a deceptive practice employed by cybercriminals to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data. This is typically accomplished through fraudulent emails or websites that appear to be from legitimate sources. For example, a phishing email might mimic a well-known bank, urging the recipient to click on a link and enter their personal information on a fake website designed to look authentic.

This technique exploits the trust of users, making it a prevalent tactic in cyber attacks. Understanding phishing is crucial because recognizing these deceptive schemes is the first step in preventing identity theft and protecting personal data.