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The act of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications.
synonyms:scammingfraud
The term 'phishing' originated in the mid-1990s as a variant of 'fishing,' with the 'ph' denoting the use of the phonetic alphabet commonly utilized in hacker culture. It refers to the act of 'fishing' for personal information from unsuspecting users.
Phishing is commonly used in cybersecurity contexts and digital communication, particularly in discussions about online safety and fraud prevention.
With the increasing reliance on digital communication, phishing has become a frequent topic in discussions about online security, making it relatively common in everyday conversations.
After receiving a suspicious email, I immediately recognized it as a phishing attempt.
Many people fall victim to phishing scams because they don't recognize the warning signs.
To protect yourself from phishing, always verify the source of unexpected messages requesting personal information.
Phishing may sound like a fun day out on a boat, but in the world of cybersecurity, it’s a serious threat. Originating in the 1990s, the term combines the idea of 'fishing' for information with a techy twist. Just like you wouldn't give your favorite bait to a stranger, you shouldn't share your personal details with unknown senders! Understanding phishing helps us navigate the digital seas safely.