Phishing is a cyber attack that aims to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information through electronic communication. This type of fraud involves a person or group of people trying to pass themselves off as a legitimate entity to gain the trust of the target. The criminals use tactics such as email spoofing or creating fake instant messages to deceive the users. They design convincing websites that closely resemble the appearance of real sites and convince people to enter their personal information. The hackers use this information to commit identity theft or financial fraud. It is important to be vigilant when receiving unsolicited messages requesting personal information and to verify the authenticity of a communication before responding. Anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to a phishing attack should contact their bank or credit card company immediately. Avoid clicking on links or attachments in unfamiliar emails or messages, and always use strong passwords.