what is a phishing email

Phishing is a type of online scam where attackers try to steal sensitive information or install malware by deceiving people into revealing personal information such as credit card numbers, bank information, or passwords. Phishing attacks are often delivered via email spam and can be sent in bulk to a wide audience. The goal of the attacker can vary, with common targets including financial institutions, email and cloud productivity providers, and streaming services. Spear phishing is a targeted phishing attack that uses personalized emails to trick a specific individual or organization into believing they are legitimate. Phishing often uses social engineering techniques to trick users into performing actions such as clicking a link or opening an attachment, or revealing sensitive information. To avoid phishing scams, consumers should not respond to emails or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information. It is important to recognize phishing emails, which often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. The best defense against phishing is awareness and knowing what to look for.