What is Phishing?

Definition and Explanation

Phishing is a type of cyberattack that involves impersonating a reputable person or organization with the intent to steal sensitive information.

Types of Phishing

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are the most common type of phishing attack. A cybercriminal will send an email that looks like it is from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a company. The email will contain a link to a fake website that looks like the real thing.

Spear Phishing

Spear phishing is a more targeted type of phishing attack. The cybercriminal will research their target and send an email that is specifically tailored to their interests.

Whaling

Whaling is a type of phishing attack that targets high-profile individuals, such as CEOs and politicians.

How to Recognize a Phishing Email

There are a few things that you can look for to recognize a phishing email:

• The email address is not from a legitimate source.
• The email contains typos or grammatical errors.
• The email asks you to click on a link or open an attachment.
• The email makes threats or demands.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing

There are a few steps that you can take to protect yourself from phishing:

• Be careful about the links you click on in emails.
• Don't open attachments from unknown senders.
• Use a strong password and don't reuse it across multiple accounts.
• Keep your software up to date.
• Use a spam filter.

Conclusion

Phishing is a serious threat to your personal and financial security. By being aware of the different types of phishing attacks and taking steps to protect yourself, you can keep your information safe.