Which of the following is a common sign of a phishing email?

Urgent requests for personal information are a hallmark of phishing emails. These emails often create a sense of urgency or fear, pressuring the recipient to act quickly without thoroughly evaluating the request. This tactic is designed to manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. Phishing attempts thrive on the psychological reaction of urgency, making it a common characteristic of these deceptive communications.

In contrast, clear and professional language tends to be more typical of legitimate communications, as reputable organizations usually maintain a standard of professionalism in their messaging. Known sender addresses, while they might suggest trustworthiness if the sender is recognized, can be easily spoofed by cybercriminals to make phishing attempts appear more credible. Similarly, attachments from familiar sources are not inherently suspicious, but they can also be a vehicle for malware, which is often used in phishing schemes to exploit vulnerabilities in the recipient’s devices. Thus, the emphasis on urgent requests for personal information distinctly marks phishing emails, setting them apart from safe communications.