What is phishing?

Phishing is characterized as a cyber attack that aims to acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details, by pretending to be a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. This is typically done through deceptive emails or websites that impersonate legitimate companies or individuals. The intention is to trick users into providing their private information under false pretenses. Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights the importance of being cautious about unsolicited communications and the need for vigilance in verifying the authenticity of requests for sensitive data.

Recognizing phishing as a cyber security threat helps individuals and organizations to implement better security practices, such as using anti-phishing tools, educating users about identifying suspicious messages, and employing multi-factor authentication to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.