What is phishing?

Phishing is a type of cybercrime where attackers attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. This nefarious practice typically manifests through deceptive emails, messages, or websites that appear legitimate and trustworthy, tricking individuals into providing their confidential information. The reason option B is correct is that it accurately defines this fraudulent activity and highlights the deceptive nature of phishing attempts.

In contrast, the other options do not pertain to phishing. For instance, improving internet speed relates to connectivity and network performance, while online advertising techniques focus on marketing strategies rather than deceit to gather personal data. Additionally, encryption is a method used to secure communications by transforming information into a secure format, which is unrelated to the schemes involved in phishing. Understanding the nature of phishing is critical for recognizing and mitigating potential security threats online.