Phishing is a type of cyberattack where criminals send deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. These messages often urge recipients to click on malicious links or download harmful attachments, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized access to accounts. Phishing relies on social engineering tactics, exploiting trust and urgency to manipulate users. Recognizing suspicious messages and verifying sources are key steps in protecting against phishing attacks.