In the context of cybersecurity, what is phishing?

Phishing is a method of acquiring sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, by deception. It typically involves tricking individuals into revealing their confidential information through seemingly legitimate communication, often via email or fake websites that closely mimic real ones.

The essence of phishing lies in its reliance on psychological manipulation to create a sense of urgency or fear, prompting individuals to act without taking the time to verify the authenticity of the request. This technique exploits human emotions, making it a prevalent and effective cyber threat.

The other options represent different aspects of cybersecurity: a cyber security framework provides structured guidelines for managing security risks; malware encompasses a broader category of malicious software designed to harm computer systems or networks; and network intrusion techniques refer to methods used to gain unauthorized access to a network. While all are relevant to cybersecurity, they do not encapsulate the specific deceptive nature of phishing.