What does the term 'phishing' refer to in cybersecurity?

Phishing refers to a technique in cybersecurity used to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information, such as usernames or passwords. This is often executed through various means, such as fraudulent emails or websites that impersonate trusted entities. The goal of phishing is to harvest user credentials by creating a sense of urgency or legitimacy, thus tricking the target into divulging their personal information.

By employing tactics that exploit human psychology, such as fear or curiosity, attackers can successfully manipulate users into taking actions that compromise their security. This makes phishing a significant threat to both individual users and organizations, as it can lead to unauthorized access to accounts and systems. Understanding phishing is crucial for developing effective defenses against cyber threats, as awareness and training can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to such attacks.