Phishing
Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which criminals use fraudulent emails, websites, and other online methods to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. The goal of phishing is to gain access to a person’s financial accounts or other sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often disguised as legitimate emails or websites, making them difficult to detect.
History of Phishing
The term “phishing” was first used in 1996 by hackers who were attempting to steal AOL passwords. Since then, phishing has become a major problem for businesses and individuals alike. In recent years, phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using more sophisticated methods to target victims. In addition, phishing attacks have become more widespread, with criminals targeting victims in different countries and regions.
Comparison Table
| Type of Attack | Description |
|---|---|
| Phishing | Using fraudulent emails, websites, and other online methods to steal sensitive information. |
| Vishing | Using voice calls or text messages to steal sensitive information. |
| Smishing | Using text messages to steal sensitive information. |
Summary
Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which criminals use fraudulent emails, websites, and other online methods to steal sensitive information. Phishing attacks are often disguised as legitimate emails or websites, making them difficult to detect. To protect yourself from phishing attacks, it is important to be aware of the signs of a phishing attack and to never click on links or open attachments from unknown sources. For more information on phishing, you can visit the websites of the Federal Trade Commission, the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, and the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
See Also
- Vishing
- Smishing
- Malware
- Spam
- Social Engineering
- Spear Phishing
- Whaling
- Pharming
- Ransomware
- Keylogging
