What is a phishing attack phishing attack

A phishing attack is a type of cyber attack where criminals try to trick people into giving away sensitive information — such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data — by pretending to be a trustworthy source.

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Here’s a simple breakdown 👇

🔹 How it works:

1. Fake message or website
   Attackers send emails, messages, or links that look like they’re from real companies (like your bank, social media, or workplace).

2. Trick the user
   The message usually urges you to click a link, download a file, or enter your login info — often with urgent wording like “Your account will be suspended!”

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3. Steal your data
   Once you enter your details or click a malicious link, the attacker can steal your credentials, install malware, or access your accounts.

🔹 Common examples:

• A fake email from “PayPal” asking you to “verify your account.”

• A text message saying “Your bank account has been locked — click here to unlock.”

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• A cloned website that looks exactly like the real one, but with a slightly different URL.

🔹 How to protect yourself:

✅ Check the sender’s email address carefully
✅ Don’t click suspicious links
✅ Verify the website URL (look for “https://”)
✅ Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
✅ Keep your software and antivirus updated