In cybersecurity, what is the term for a fake website that mimics a real one?

The term for a fake website that mimics a real one is indeed a phishing site. Phishing sites are designed to deceive users by replicating legitimate websites, often aiming to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. These sites commonly appear similar in design and layout to the actual sites they are imitating, which can mislead users into thinking they are on a trusted platform.

Phishing is a prevalent tactic used by cybercriminals, leveraging social engineering to trick individuals into entering their personal information. By making the fraudulent site look credible, attackers increase the likelihood that users will fall for the scheme.

In contrast, malware refers to malicious software designed to harm or exploit any programmable device. A backdoor is a method of bypassing normal authentication or encryption in a computer system, often created by attackers to gain access. A botnet is a network of compromised devices controlled by a single attacking entity to perform tasks like sending spam or launching attacks. While all of these terms relate to cybersecurity threats, they pertain to different aspects of cyber incidents and do not describe the specific type of fake website that phishing sites represent.