Title: Phishing Definition & Meaning | What is Phishing?
Headings: Phishing
Phishing
What is phishing?
History of phishing
What is a phishing attack?
Common examples of phishing attacks
Phishing kits
Types of phishing attacks
Spear phishing
Whaling
Smishing
Vishing
Search engine phishing
How to recognize a phishing attack
How to prevent phishing attacks
Top anti phishing software
Avanan
IRONSCALES
Proofpoint Essentials
Agari Phishing Defense
Cofense

Content: Phishing Definition & Meaning | What is Phishing? Home Security
Phishing
Vangie Beal
March 3, 2021
Updated on: May 14, 2021
What is phishing? Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which victims are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by an attacker posing as a trustworthy entity in order to obtain sensitive information or data, such as login credentials, credit card details, or other personally identifiable information. Phishing attackers will typically ask for: Date of birth
Social security number
Phone number
Credit card details
Home address
Password information
An attacker’s goal in phishing is to lead the victim to click a link or download an attachment, which can lead to the installation of malware, the freezing of the system as part of a ransomware attack, or directing users to a malicious website that is disguised as a legitimate site, in which the victim enters in personal information. The results can include large unauthorized purchases, identity theft, and the stealing of funds. Common requested actions in a phishing scam include: Clicking an attachment
Enabling macros in a Microsoft Word document
Updating a password
Downloading a file
Responding to a social media connection request
Using a new Wi-Fi hotspot
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack, an umbrella term to describe many methods of stealing personal information and manipulation to hack victims’ private or corporate accounts. Many scams and cybercrimes fall into the category of social engineering, particularly phishing, but social engineering mainly indicates some level of personal manipulation.