What is phishing in the context of cybersecurity?

• A. A device that tunes network frequencies
• B. A method of compressing data
• C. A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information
• D. A kind of firewall

Answer: (C)

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information by posing as a trustworthy entity. Attackers send messages that look real—like emails, texts, or calls from banks, popular services, or colleagues—and try to trick you into clicking a fake link or entering passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. They rely on social engineering, using urgency or fear to make you act quickly.

For example, you might receive a message claiming your account is compromised and asking you to log in through a provided link. That link leads to a fake site that steals your credentials. Phishing isn’t about how computers work; it’s about manipulating people to reveal information.

To stay safe, verify who sent the message, don’t click suspicious links, type official URLs directly into your browser, and enable extra security like two-factor authentication and anti-phishing tools.