What does the term "phishing" refer to in cyber security?

Phishing refers to a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. This often involves sending emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or popular online services, with the intent of tricking individuals into providing personal data, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers.

Phishing schemes can involve various tactics, including mimicking the look and feel of genuine websites or employing social engineering techniques to create a sense of urgency or fear, convincing the target that they must act quickly to secure their information. Understanding phishing is crucial in cyber security as it represents a significant risk to individuals and organizations, making awareness and education on this topic essential for effective defense against such threats.