Phishing is a type of cyber attack where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. This is often done through deceptive emails or websites that appear authentic, leading victims to unknowingly provide their personal data. The consequences of falling for a phishing scam can be severe, including identity theft and financial loss. To protect against phishing, users should be cautious of unsolicited communications and verify the authenticity of requests for sensitive information, often by checking the source or contacting the organization directly.