Security · Website glossary

Phishing

Quick answer · What is Phishing?

A deceptive attempt to make someone reveal information or perform an action by impersonating a trusted party.

IN PRACTICE

Phishing: an example

A fake renewal email sends an owner to a lookalike registrar sign-in page.

KEEP IN MIND

Branding and urgency are not proof. Reach the service through a known route before acting on an unexpected request.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of Phishing?

A fake renewal email sends an owner to a lookalike registrar sign-in page.

How should I respond to an unexpected urgent account request?

Branding and urgency are not proof. Reach the service through a known route before acting on an unexpected request.

Which concepts should I read alongside Phishing?

Email spoofing: The use of falsified sender information to make an email appear to originate from someone else.
Multi-factor authentication: Authentication requiring evidence from more than one category of factor, such as something known and something possessed.