What is phishing?

Phishing is a form of social engineering designed to deceive individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and financial information, often through seemingly trustworthy communications. This tactic typically occurs via emails, messages, or websites that impersonate legitimate organizations. Phishing exploits human psychology, leveraging curiosity, fear, or urgency to entice individuals into providing their personal information.

Understanding phishing is critical in cybersecurity because it represents one of the most common methods used by attackers to compromise accounts and systems. Awareness of how phishing works and its tactics enables individuals to recognize suspicious communications, avoid falling victim, and safeguard their sensitive information. This knowledge is particularly relevant in environments where data security is paramount, making it essential for everyone to be educated about the risks and indicators of phishing attempts.