What does the term ‘phishing’ refer to in the context of cybersecurity?

The term ‘phishing’ in the context of cybersecurity refers to fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information by impersonating another entity. This often occurs through deceptive emails or websites that look legitimate, making individuals believe they are interacting with a trusted source. The goal is to trick users into providing personal data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information.

Phishing attacks can take various forms, including spear phishing, where the attacker targets a specific individual or organization, and whale phishing, which focuses on high-profile targets. Understanding phishing is crucial for cybersecurity awareness, as recognizing these threats can help individuals and organizations protect themselves from data breaches and identity theft. Thus, the definition provided aligns perfectly with the deceptive nature of phishing in the cybersecurity landscape.