What is Phishing?

Phishing is a cyber trick by which fraudsters, via impersonation of a trusted person or enterprise, deceive victims into divulging personal sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or login details, usually through emails, texts, and fake websites resembling real ones.

In this digital time, phishing affects everyone-from teens on social media to adults performing online banking. The operations have imposed losses running into billions annually. 

According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, also known as IC3, the top cybercrime in 2024 was phishing, with over 298,000 complaints and $18 million in losses reported.

In this article, read about phishing, clear examples of phishing, red flags to spot attacks, common types, stats and simple steps to protect yourself from these everyday online phishing threats.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a scam using fake messages to trick you into sharing private info or clicking harmful links.

Attackers pose as banks, friends, or big brands like Amazon or Netflix, sending urgent emails or texts that pressure quick action. The goal? Steal data for identity theft, account hacks, or malware installs. It relies on trust, not tech hacks, making it the most common cyber threat.

Emails often mimic real logos and urgency like "Your account is suspended!" to hook you.

• Phishing attacks rose 61% in 2024 per Proofpoint reports.

• Targets include emails (90%), texts (smishing), and calls (vishing).

• Victims lose an average $500-1,000 per incident.

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What is an Example of Phishing?

A classic phishing example is a fake bank email claiming "urgent account verification" with a login link.

You click, and land on a site that looks identical to your bank's but has a sneaky URL like "bankofamerlca-login.com." Entering details hands them to scammers. 

Another: Texts pretending to be UPS saying "Your package is delayed – track here," leading to malware. Clone phishing tweaks a real past email, swapping links for fakes. These feel personal, boosting success rates.

(Source: CSRC.NIST)

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How do I know if I got Phished?

Spot phishing by checking for red flags like poor grammar, weird sender addresses, or surprise requests for info.

Hover over links (don't click) – legit ones match the company's domain; fakes don't. 

Urgent demands ("Act now or lose access!") or unsolicited attachments scream scam.

If your antivirus flags something or accounts act odd post-click, you might be hit.

• Mismatched URLs (e.g., support@arnazon.com).

• Typos, bad English, generic greetings ("Dear User").

• Requests for passwords via email – real companies never ask.

• Unexpected "winnings" or threats without prior contact.

(Source: Microsoft)

Confirm, through direct login using an official app/site and not through links. Use services like VirusTotal for suspect files.

Phishing evolves via AI-generated fakes, but the basics remain: slow down, verify, and protect. Turn on 2FA everywhere, and train your gut-most attacks fail cautious eyes. Businesses: use filters; Individuals: pick strong, unique passwords via managers like LastPass.

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Conclusion

Phishing means luring you sensitive information by pretending to be trusted messages, it has topped the list as the most dangerous cyber threat that uses the intelligence of targeting the human population. So, in order to stay safe and secure in the digital world, it is important to detect strange signs and use tools that offer 2FA. Be prepared to stay secure today and surf happily tomorrow.