What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of online scam where attackers use fake emails or websites to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. The attackers often pretend to be a reputable organization, such as a bank or government agency, and use convincing language and design to make the scam seem legitimate.
Phishing attacks can be very difficult to spot, as the attackers often use techniques to make their emails and websites look authentic. It's important to be wary of any unexpected or suspicious communications that you receive, and to be cautious about providing personal information online. If you think you may have been the victim of a phishing attack, it's important to take steps to protect yourself and your information. This can include changing your passwords, monitoring your accounts for any suspicious activity, and contacting your bank or other relevant organizations.
How to explain phishing to a child
Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them your personal information, like your username and password, by pretending to be someone else. They might send you an email or message that looks like it's from a friend or a website that you trust, but it's actually a fake. It's important to be careful and not give out your personal information to anyone unless you're sure they're who they say they are. If someone asks you for your information and you're not sure if they're real, you can always ask an adult for help.
Examples of phishing
You and your friends are playing your favorite online game. One day, you receive a message from a user that you don't recognize. The user says that they have found a secret code that will give you unlimited lives in the game. They tell you to click on a link to download the code. When you click on the link, it takes you to a website that looks like the game's official website, but it is actually a fake website set up by a scammer. When you enter your login information to download the code, the scammer now has access to your account and can steal your virtual items and currency.
In this example, the scammer is using phishing to trick you into giving them your login information. They are pretending to be someone who can help you in the game, but they actually have bad intentions and want to steal your virtual items. It is important to be careful and to never give out sensitive information unless you are sure that it is safe to do so.
Become Internet Independent
Phishing is one of the six key topics of cyber safety in the Internet Independent Framework. Download the framework here: https://www.cyberlitebooks.com/internet-independent-framework