What is phishing primarily associated with?

Phishing is primarily associated with scamming users for personal information. This deceptive practice typically involves creating communications, often through email, that appear to be from reputable sources. The goal is to lure individuals into providing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details. Phishing exploits the trust that users place in legitimate organizations, which is why it can be particularly effective.

The focus of phishing is on manipulation and deceit, rather than direct attacks on networks or systems. While other options may represent different types of cybersecurity threats—such as viruses that infect networks, denial of access, or unauthorized access—phishing specifically targets individuals to harvest their confidential data under false pretenses. Understanding this helps in recognizing the signs of phishing attempts and reinforces the importance of vigilance when handling unsolicited communications.