Phishing is a form of social engineering and scam where attackers deceive people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware such as ransomware[1]. It is an attempt by cybercriminals posing as legitimate institutions, usually via email, to obtain sensitive information from targeted individuals[2]. Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent communications that appear to come from a legitimate and reputable source, usually through email and text messaging, with the goal of stealing money, gaining access to sensitive data and login information, or installing malware on the victim's device[3]. Phishing attacks can take the form of fraudulent emails, text messages, phone calls, or websites designed to trick users into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or taking other actions that expose themselves or their organizations to cybercrime[4]. It typically aims to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information[5].

The best defense against phishing is a combination of user education, technical security measures, and good online practices. Here are some key strategies to protect against phishing:

User Education: Providing mandatory training courses to educate users about the signs of phishing, such as unfamiliar greetings, unsolicited messages, grammar and spelling errors, and suspicious links or attachments

Two-Factor Authentication: Implementing two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security, although it's important to be aware that phishing attacks can sometimes bypass this measure

Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Using smart firewalls and keeping antivirus software up to date can help block outsiders from gaining access to private data and prevent malware from infecting devices

Good Online Practices: Avoiding sharing personal information, keeping operating systems and browsers up to date, and not providing personal information in response to unsolicited requests

Report Phishing: Encouraging users to report phishing emails to the appropriate authorities, such as the Anti-Phishing Working Group or the Federal Trade Commission

In summary, a multi-layered approach that combines user education, technical security measures, and good online practices is the best defense against phishing attacks.

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing

[2] https://www.phishing.org/what-is-phishing

[3] https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/email-security/what-is-phishing.html

[4] https://www.ibm.com/topics/phishing

[5] https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/access-management/phishing-attack/