- Phishing is a type of cyber attack where attackers deceive users by sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to come from trusted sources, tricking them into revealing sensitive information like usernames and passwords.
- Attackers use phishing to steal personal data for various malicious purposes, such as committing identity fraud, taking over computer networks, accessing private emails, or stealing customer records.
- A targeted form of phishing is called spear phishing, which uses personal information gathered from social media or other sources to craft convincing, personalized messages aimed at specific individuals.
- To spot phishing attacks, users should carefully check the website’s address bar for domain names that look similar to legitimate sites but are not identical (e.g., “accounts-google.com” vs. “google.com”).
- The best defense against phishing is using two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires a second form of verification beyond just a password, making it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access even if they obtain login credentials.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of free worksheet reading comprehension.
