What is a phishing attack?

A phishing attack is primarily characterized as a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. This method typically involves deceit, where attackers create spoofed emails, websites, or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or reputable companies. The goal is to trick individuals into providing personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers, often leading to identity theft or financial loss.

This definition captures the essence of phishing as an attack that exploits trust. Unlike tracking user data without consent, which pertains more to data privacy issues, or malware, which refers to harmful software designed to damage or disable systems, phishing specifically involves manipulation and deception aimed at information theft. Additionally, while security protocols protect passwords, they are not directly related to the act of phishing, which is inherently about the fraudulent acquisition of sensitive information rather than securing it. Thus, understanding phishing in this context is crucial for recognizing and protecting against such cyber threats.