What does "pharming" refer to?

Pharming refers to a malicious activity where users are redirected from legitimate websites to fraudulent ones without their knowledge. This can occur through various methods, such as altering the hosts file on a victim's computer or exploiting vulnerabilities in DNS servers. The primary goal of pharming is to capture sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or financial data by tricking users into entering their credentials on a website that appears legitimate but is actually designed to steal their information.

Understanding pharming is crucial in the context of cybersecurity, as it highlights the importance of being vigilant when accessing websites, especially those that require sensitive information. Recognizing the signs of a phishing or pharming attack can help users protect themselves from such threats. For instance, checking for the security of the website (such as the presence of HTTPS) and being cautious about links clicked in emails can mitigate the risk of falling victim to these types of attacks.