Which of the following best describes phishing?

Phishing refers to a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. This often involves emails or messages that appear to come from reputable organizations, such as banks or online services, tricking individuals into providing personal data like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security information. The essence of phishing lies in its deceptive nature and the impact it has on cybersecurity by exploiting human vulnerabilities.

Understanding this concept is crucial, especially as phishing schemes have evolved and become more sophisticated, often using social engineering techniques to increase their effectiveness. Recognizing phishing as a threat helps individuals and organizations adopt better practices to safeguard their sensitive data, such as verifying communications and employing additional security measures like multi-factor authentication.