What does the term 'phishing' refer to in cybersecurity?

The term 'phishing' in cybersecurity specifically refers to an attempt to acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by deceiving individuals into revealing this information. This is typically executed through fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from legitimate sources. The goal is to trick individuals into providing their private information under the guise of a trustworthy entity, often leading to identity theft or unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.

Phishing exploits human psychology, taking advantage of trust and urgency. By mimicking normal correspondence from banks, social media, or other services, attackers manipulate victims into acting quickly, often without pausing to question the legitimacy of the request.

Understanding this definition is crucial for identifying and defending against such attacks, which continue to be a prevalent threat in the cybersecurity landscape.