What does phishing aim to do?

Phishing is a type of cyber attack aimed at obtaining sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, through deceptive means. Attackers typically use emails, messages, or websites that resemble legitimate entities to trick individuals into revealing their confidential information. By posing as trustworthy sources, such as banks or popular online services, the perpetrators create a sense of urgency or fear to entice the victim into taking action that compromises their personal information.

Unlike enhancing system security, delivering software updates, or identifying network vulnerabilities, which serve protective or functional purposes, phishing inherently aims to exploit individuals for malicious gain. Understanding phishing is crucial in cybersecurity training, as it highlights the importance of vigilance and skepticism regarding unsolicited communications.