Which attack method involves tricking the user into clicking a malicious link through deception?

Phishing is an attack method that specifically targets users by deceiving them into clicking on a malicious link. This deception is often carried out through emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, making the victim believe they are interacting with a trusted entity. Once the user clicks the link, they may be redirected to a fraudulent website designed to harvest sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or financial details.

In phishing attacks, the attackers leverage social engineering techniques to create a sense of urgency or trust, compelling users to take immediate action without due scrutiny. This technique is effective because it exploits human psychology rather than relying on exploiting weaknesses in software or hardware.

The other methods mentioned, such as ransomware, ad fraud, and malware, involve different mechanisms for compromise or exploitation. Ransomware typically involves encrypting a user's data and demanding a ransom for decryption, while ad fraud is aimed at generating illegitimate ad revenue, often without direct interaction from the user. Malware is software designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, but it may not specifically rely on deception to prompt user action in the same way phishing does.