What does the term 'phishing' refer to?

Phishing refers to a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information, usually through deceptive emails or websites that appear legitimate. This malicious tactic is used by cybercriminals to lure individuals into providing personal data, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.

Phishing campaigns often impersonate trusted entities to gain the trust of the target. By creating a sense of urgency or fear, these attacks compel individuals to act quickly without verifying the legitimacy of the requests. Understanding phishing is crucial in cybersecurity, as detecting and avoiding these attempts can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The other options focus on aspects that are unrelated to phishing, such as internet speed, data recovery software, and network security protocols, which do not pertain to the act of deceiving individuals into revealing confidential information.