What is phishing?

Phishing is a practice where thieves use fake communications, often appearing to be from trusted sources, to solicit personal data from individuals. This can include sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers. Phishing schemes typically utilize emails or messages that mimic legitimate companies or institutions to trick recipients into providing their personal information. Recognizing the signs of phishing attempts, such as suspicious links or requests for sensitive information, is crucial for protecting personal data online.

The other choices do not accurately describe phishing. For instance, securing personal data through complex passwords relates to cybersecurity practices but does not encompass the deceptive nature of phishing. Enhancing online shopping experiences focuses on improving usability and customer satisfaction rather than the malicious intent behind phishing attacks. Finally, while policies to prevent spam emails do play a role in protecting users from unsolicited communications, they do not specifically address the targeted nature of phishing tactics aimed at data theft.