Phishing is a technique where attackers use deceptive communication, often via or messages, to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data. Attackers impersonate trusted entities, such as banks, government agencies, or reputable companies, to manipulate victims into taking actions that compromise their .
To defend against phishing, it is essential to always verify the legitimacy of the sender or source of , especially if they request sensitive information or actions. Educating individuals to recognize phishing attempts is crucial, emphasizing the importance of not sharing sensitive information via or untrusted websites. Employing email filtering and security solutions can help detect and block phishing emails before they reach .
Additionally, hovering over links in emails to reveal the actual URL before clicking is a vital practice to ensure the URL matches the expected . Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible adds an extra layer of , even if login credentials are compromised. Regularly updating operating systems and software is necessary to patch security vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit, helping to further safeguard against attempts.