What is phishing?

• A. A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.
• B. A legitimate way to verify identity online.
• C. A type of virus that replicates itself.
• D. A password management technique.

Answer: (A)

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by pretending to be a trustworthy entity. Attackers use emails, text messages, or fake websites that look legitimate to trick you into revealing passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. They often urge you to act quickly, click a link, or open an attachment, which can lead you to a fake site or install malware.

To protect yourself, pause before clicking links in unsolicited messages, and verify the source through official channels. Check for signs like mismatched sender addresses, suspicious or misspelled domains, generic greetings, or urgent language asking for confidential information. When in doubt, go directly to the organization’s official site or contact them through known contact methods. Using two-factor authentication and keeping software up to date also helps reduce risk.

This isn’t a legitimate way to verify identity online, nor is it a virus that copies itself or a password management technique.