What defines phishing?

Phishing is specifically characterized as a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or other private data. This illicit activity typically involves deceitful emails, messages, or websites that appear to be from trustworthy sources, tricking individuals into providing their confidential information. The primary goal of phishing is to exploit the victim's trust to gain unauthorized access to their sensitive information.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of phishing. For instance, defining it as a method for securing sensitive information or a technique to enhance network security fails to recognize its malicious intent. Similarly, classifying it as a form of software testing does not align with the core purpose of phishing, which is deception rather than assessment or security improvement. Thus, understanding phishing as a fraudulent activity focused on information theft is crucial for recognizing and defending against these cybersecurity threats.