What is phishing designed to do?

Phishing is a malicious tactic primarily aimed at stealing sensitive information from individuals, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. This is typically achieved by impersonating a trustworthy entity in electronic communication, such as emails or messages. The goal is to deceive the target into providing their confidential information, often through fake websites or links that appear legitimate.

Understanding phishing is critical for reinforcing cybersecurity measures. By recognizing the intent behind phishing attacks, individuals and organizations can implement better training, develop awareness programs, and apply protective technologies to mitigate these risks. The other options are misaligned with the nature of phishing, which focuses on unauthorized access and exploitation rather than improving technology or security.