What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyber-attack that involves the use of fraudulent or deceptive communication to trick a victim into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal or financial information. Phishing attacks usually involve a criminal posing as a legitimate entity, such as a bank, social media platform, or other online service, in an attempt to gain the trust of the victim and extract information from them.

Phishing attacks can take many forms, but the most common method involves sending an email or text message that appears to be from a legitimate source, but is actually a fake. These emails often contain a link to a fake website that looks similar to the real one, and the victim is asked to enter their login credentials or other sensitive information. Once the victim enters their information, the attackers can use it for fraudulent purposes such as stealing money, identity theft, or spreading malware.

Another type of phishing attack is known as spear phishing, which is a more targeted attack that is tailored to a specific individual or organization. In spear phishing, the attacker will often gather information about the victim, such as their name, job title, or other personal details, in order to make their fake communication appear more convincing. These attacks can be particularly effective because they appear to come from a trusted source and can be very difficult to detect.

To protect yourself from phishing attacks, it is important to be cautious when receiving emails or other communications that request personal or sensitive information. Always double-check the sender's email address and be wary of clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. It is also recommended to use two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, when logging into online accounts. Finally, keep your computer and other devices up-to-date with the latest security patches and antivirus software to reduce the risk of malware infections.