Phishing
Names and abbreviations on this page
CISA — Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. A United States agency providing cybersecurity and infrastructure-security guidance.
Technology terms & practical skills
What it means
Phishing is a deceptive message or website intended to make someone reveal information, send money or take an unsafe action. It may imitate a landlord, employer, delivery company or familiar service. Pressure and believable branding are not proof of legitimacy.
Related skills
Check independentlyContact the organization through a route you already trust.
Read destinationsInspect the actual address rather than relying on the displayed link text.
Respond safelyUse the service's reporting tools and avoid opening unexpected attachments.
An everyday example
A message says a housing deposit must be sent immediately to a new account. Pause and contact the verified property office using an independently obtained number before making a payment.
What to check
Do not test a suspicious message by entering credentials. If information was shared, use the real service's recovery and security steps promptly.