Phishing attacks use social engineering tactics to target specific individuals and organizations in an attempt to steal sensitive data like personal information, payment card numbers, or confidential business data. Cybercriminals typically use tactics to trick users into clicking an infected URL or opening corrupted files that lead to malware or ransomware downloads.
Phishing
Key takeaways
- Almost all phishing attacks involve human error, requiring unsuspecting individuals to accidentally click on malicious links or infected files.
- Email phishing attacks make up over 95% of all phishing attacks.
- Common signs of a phishing attack include an unreasonable sense of urgency, request for personal data, spelling or grammar errors, once-in-a-lifetime offers, or threats.
- Phishing is the #1 cybersecurity threat in the world.
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