Phishing is a common cyberattack where criminals send fake emails or messages pretending to be legitimate organizations to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal identification. These messages often appear urgent or enticing, tricking recipients into clicking malicious links or providing confidential information. Phishing attacks can come from sources like fake bank alerts, fraudulent e-commerce offers, or social media notifications. Falling victim to phishing can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized access to personal accounts.
"Stay alert: not every email or message is what it seems; phishing can hook even the savviest online users."
To protect yourself, it's essential to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any unsolicited messages. Never click on suspicious links or provide sensitive information unless you are certain of the sender’s legitimacy. Look for signs of phishing, such as poor grammar, generic greetings, or mismatched URLs. Using strong security measures like two-factor authentication and regularly updating passwords also helps defend against these attacks. Awareness and vigilance are your best defenses against phishing attempts.