What is phishing?

Phishing is defined as a high-tech scam specifically designed to deceive individuals into divulging their personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. This is typically executed through fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that masquerade as legitimate entities. The intent is to trick the user into clicking on links or providing sensitive information, often leading to identity theft or financial loss.

Phishing stands out among the other options because it directly relates to cybersecurity threats targeting consumers, rather than the improvement of marketing strategies, data collection for legitimate research, or being an aspect of online security measures. Understanding phishing is crucial for recognizing the risks involved when interacting with digital communications and safeguarding personal information online.