In cybersecurity, what is phishing?

Phishing refers to a fraudulent practice where attackers send out deceptive emails or messages pretending to be trustworthy entities in order to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial details. This technique exploits social engineering tactics to create a sense of urgency or coercion, making individuals more likely to share confidential data.

The key component of phishing is that it relies on the use of seemingly legitimate communication to instill trust and encourage victims to take actions that compromise their security. It is a prevalent threat in the realm of cybersecurity, as it targets individuals, often leading to data breaches or identity theft. Recognizing phishing attempts is crucial for maintaining personal and organizational cybersecurity.