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Phishing is a type of cybercrime where an attacker attempts to acquire sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details, by disguising as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. This is typically done through emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, social media platforms, or well-known companies. The goal is to trick the recipient into clicking on a malicious link, downloading a harmful attachment, or providing personal information directly.

Phishing attacks can be categorized into several types, including spear phishing, where the attacker targets a specific individual or organization, and whaling, which involves high-profile targets such as CEOs or CFOs. Other variations include clone phishing, where a fraudulent email mimics a legitimate one, and smishing, which uses text messages instead of emails.

To protect against phishing, users should be cautious of unsolicited communications, verify the authenticity of the sender, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Employing strong, unique passwords and using multi-factor authentication can also enhance security. Organizations can implement email filtering systems and employee training programs to mitigate the risk of phishing attacks.