What is phishing?

Phishing is defined as a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, typically by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. In phishing schemes, attackers frequently utilize deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate in order to trick individuals into providing private data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification information. The primary goal of these attacks is to exploit the victim's trust to gain access to confidential data for malicious purposes.

Understanding this definition helps in recognizing the nature and purpose of phishing in the wider context of cybersecurity. It is important for individuals to be aware of these tactics so they can identify potential threats and take appropriate measures to safeguard their data. This awareness distinguishes phishing from legitimate security measures, malware, or transaction security methods, which serve protective roles rather than deceptive ones.