What method does phishing utilize to trick users?

Phishing primarily relies on the technique of sending emails that appear to be from legitimate enterprises to trick users into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. This method is effective because it exploits the trust that individuals have in recognized companies or institutions. These fraudulent emails often carry a sense of urgency or a request for immediate action, prompting the recipient to click on malicious links or provide personal information directly. Because these emails simulate the look and feel of communications from trusted sources, they can easily mislead individuals and successfully perform the intended deception.

While other methods like sending text messages from unknown numbers, displaying advertisements, and creating fake social media profiles can also be associated with various types of online scams or social engineering tactics, they are not the primary mechanism used in phishing. Phishing is distinctly characterized by this email-based impersonation strategy, making it a prevalent and dangerous form of cyber attack.