What is phishing?

Phishing is defined as an attempt to obtain sensitive information fraudulently, typically through deceptive emails or websites that appear to be legitimate. This malicious practice aims to trick individuals into providing personal details such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data. Phishing attacks often employ social engineering tactics to create a sense of urgency or trust, encouraging users to act quickly without verifying the authenticity of the request.

The other options pertain to different areas of technology and cybersecurity: data encryption methods focus on securing information rather than deceiving users, network latency relates to the delay in data transmission, and anti-virus software techniques are designed to detect and eliminate malware rather than engage in the misleading tactics characteristic of phishing. Understanding phishing is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and recognizing potential security threats in digital communications.