A phishing attack is a malicious attempt to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers by disguising as a trustworthy source. It typically involves sending fraudulent emails or links that appear to be from legitimate companies or individuals. The goal of the attacker is to trick the recipient into providing personal information or clicking on links that lead to malicious websites or software.

The most common form of phishing attack is email-based, in which attackers send emails to potential victims that appear to be from legitimate companies or individuals. These emails often contain links or attachments that, when clicked, lead to malicious websites or software. Attackers may also use social engineering techniques such as creating fake profiles on social networking sites to gather personal information from unsuspecting victims.

In addition to email-based attacks, attackers may also use other methods such as text messages, phone calls, or social media posts. In some cases, attackers may even create fake websites that resemble legitimate websites in order to gain access to sensitive information.

Phishing attacks are a common method used by cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information or data. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of a phishing attack and to take steps to protect yourself and your information. These steps include being careful when clicking on links in emails, verifying the source of emails, and using strong passwords.