FAQ About Understanding the Basics of Cybersecurity

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack in which an attacker attempts to trick a victim into divulging sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or other personal information. Phishing attacks typically take the form of emails, instant messages, or social media messages that appear to come from a trusted source, such as a bank, online retailer, or social media platform.

The goal of phishing attacks is to convince the victim to click on a link or open an attachment that contains malware or directs the victim to a fake website designed to steal their sensitive information. Phishing attacks can be highly effective because they often appear to come from a legitimate source and may use convincing language or imagery to convince the victim to take action.

Protecting against phishing attacks requires a combination of awareness and technical controls. Individuals and organizations can protect themselves by being cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or suspicious sources, verifying the identity of the sender before providing sensitive information, and using anti-phishing software or browser extensions. Additionally, organizations can implement email filters and other technical controls to block known phishing emails and provide security awareness training to employees to help them recognize and avoid phishing attacks.