PHISHING

Etymology

The term 'phishing' is a play on the word 'fishing,' where cybercriminals attempt to lure unsuspecting individuals into divulging sensitive information.

Definition

Phishing is the deceptive practice of tricking Internet users into revealing personal or confidential information through fraudulent emails or websites, often for the purpose of identity theft or financial gain.

Historical Context

Phishing has been a prevalent form of cybercrime since the early days of the internet, evolving in sophistication and tactics over time to exploit technological vulnerabilities.

Cultural Significance

Phishing poses a significant threat to individuals, businesses, and organizations worldwide, leading to financial losses, identity theft, and compromised data security.

Related Concepts

• Spear Phishing: Targeted phishing attacks on specific individuals or organizations.
• Vishing: Phishing conducted through voice calls.
• Pharming: Redirecting users to fraudulent websites without their knowledge.

See Also

• Cybersecurity
• Identity Theft
• Email Scams