What is a common consequence of falling victim to phishing attacks?

Falling victim to phishing attacks often results in unauthorized access to personal information. Phishing attacks typically involve deceptive emails or messages that trick individuals into providing sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. Once attackers obtain this information, they can exploit it for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, financial fraud, or gaining access to more secure systems and accounts.

The impacts of phishing extend beyond just financial losses; they can compromise personal privacy and lead to long-term consequences for the individuals affected. In contrast, improving online security awareness, increasing software performance, and decreasing social media activity do not directly result from a phishing incident. These options do not accurately reflect the immediate and common outcomes experienced by victims of such attacks.