What is phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that uses deceptive emails to acquire sensitive information. It typically involves attackers sending fraudulent messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, social media platforms, or reputable companies. These emails often contain malicious links or attachments designed to trick recipients into providing personal data, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers.

The primary goal of phishing is to exploit human trust and manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information, thus compromising their security. Understanding this tactic is essential in cybersecurity education, as it highlights the importance of awareness and caution when handling unsolicited communications and requests for sensitive information.