Phishing is a fraudulent technique used by malicious individuals or groups to trick people into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. It typically occurs through email, instant messaging, phone calls, or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, like a bank, social media platform, or online service provider.

Phishing attempts usually involve sending deceptive messages that mimic the branding and design of trusted organizations, creating a false sense of trust. These messages often contain urgent or enticing requests, requiring the recipient to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide personal information. However, these links or attachments often lead to malicious websites or malware-infected files designed to steal sensitive data.

Phishing attacks can also involve manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information through social engineering techniques, such as impersonating a company executive or IT support personnel to gain trust and convince the target to share sensitive data. To protect against phishing attacks, individuals should be cautious when interacting with unsolicited messages and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. It is recommended to verify the authenticity of the message or contact the organization directly through official channels before providing any personal information. Organizations should implement robust security measures, such as spam filters, employee education and awareness programs, and multi-factor authentication, to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks.