What type of attack tricks individuals into revealing sensitive information by masquerading as a legitimate entity?

Phishing is a type of attack that deceives individuals into providing sensitive information by pretending to be a trusted source. Attackers often use email, social media, or other communication channels to impersonate legitimate organizations, such as banks or service providers. They typically create convincing messages along with links to fraudulent websites designed to look like real ones. When victims enter their personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details, the attackers capture this data for malicious purposes.

This method is particularly effective because it exploits human psychology, targeting emotions and trust rather than relying solely on technical vulnerabilities, which is what sets it apart from other types of attacks. Understanding phishing is crucial for implementing effective security awareness training and protective measures within organizations.