In the context of cybersecurity, what does “phishing” typically refer to?

Phishing refers specifically to conducting social engineering attacks aimed at acquiring sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, or personal identification details. This is typically executed through deceptive emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources. The attackers often lure victims into clicking on malicious links or attachments that lead to fraudulent websites designed to look like genuine ones. By successfully tricking individuals into providing their sensitive data, cybercriminals can engage in various forms of identity theft or financial fraud.

The other options describe different aspects of cybersecurity. Protecting networks from intrusions focuses on defensive measures and tactics to safeguard systems. Using strong encryption deals with securing data in transit or at rest, ensuring that even if data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the proper decryption keys. Creating safe online environments emphasizes the importance of secure platforms for transactions, which does not directly relate to the deceptive nature of phishing attacks. Understanding the context of phishing helps illustrate the broader challenges in cybersecurity, particularly in relation to user awareness and education on recognizing potential threats.