Phishing is a cybercrime tactic where malicious individuals masquerade as trustworthy entities to deceive individuals into providing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. These attacks often occur through deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls, directing recipients to fraudulent websites or convincing them to disclose confidential information.

To safeguard against phishing:

1. Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of unexpected emails, especially those requesting urgent action or personal information.
2. Verify Sources: Verify the legitimacy of emails and messages by checking sender addresses, domain names, and website URLs. Legitimate organizations typically use official domains for communication.
3. Hover Before You Click: Hover your mouse over links to reveal the actual URL. Be wary of shortened URLs or unfamiliar domains.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA, which requires a secondary verification method besides passwords.
5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common phishing tactics and regularly update your knowledge on cybersecurity best practices.

By staying cautious and implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing attacks.