Which of the following consists of fraudulent emails that appear to be from a legitimate source requesting personal information?

Phishing refers to a specific type of cyber attack where fraudulent emails are sent to individuals, designed to appear as though they come from a trusted or legitimate source. These emails typically request sensitive personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. The goal of phishing is to deceive the recipient into believing that the request is valid, thereby tricking them into providing their confidential information.

The importance of understanding phishing lies in recognizing its potential dangers. Phishing attacks can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and unauthorized access to personal accounts. Awareness of this tactic is crucial for effective cybersecurity practices, enabling individuals to identify and avoid such deceptive communications.

In contrast, the other terms relate to different concepts in cybersecurity. Scamming generally refers to various fraudulent schemes not limited to electronic communications, while hacking denotes unauthorized access to systems or networks. Fishing, while similar in spelling, is simply an unrelated recreational activity. Recognizing the distinct characteristics of phishing is essential in fortifying one’s defenses against a prevalent form of cyber threat.