What does "phishing" refer to in cybersecurity?

Phishing refers to a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. It typically occurs through emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate, often tricking users into providing personal information such as usernames, passwords, or financial details. The key characteristic of phishing is its deceptive nature, where attackers exploit human psychology and trust to gain unauthorized access to valuable information.

The other options do not capture the essence of phishing. A legitimate attempt to gather user data does not involve deceit and generally occurs within a proper consent framework, which is contrary to the nature of phishing. A method for backing up data and a secure way of transferring files both describe legitimate, safe practices in data management or cybersecurity but are unrelated to the intent of phishing, which is inherently malicious. Thus, the option identifying phishing as a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information accurately reflects the cybersecurity concept.