What is an essential characteristic of phishing attacks?

Phishing attacks are characterized by their deceptive nature, wherein attackers craft messages that appear to come from a legitimate source to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. This tactic exploits the trust that users have in familiar organizations or communication formats, making them more likely to fall for the scam. The illusion of legitimacy is a key element, as it is essential for the success of the attack.

In contrast, phishing does not focus on physical documents, nor does it involve any legal approval or face-to-face interaction, which further solidifies why the defining feature is its ability to convincingly mimic trusted sources. This understanding of how phishing operates helps individuals recognize potential risks in digital communications and adopt more cautious behaviors online.