B2nountechnologycrime
US/ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/
UK/ˈfɪʃ.ɪŋ/
the crime of sending fake emails to trick people into giving passwords or money details
In context
The IT department warned staff about a new phishing email that looks like it is from HR.
Never click a link in a message if you suspect phishing.
Phishing attacks are becoming harder to spot because the messages look so professional.
Words that go with phishing
noun + noun
- phishing emailThis phishing email asks you to confirm your password.
- phishing attackA phishing attack hit our finance team.
- phishing scamReport any phishing scam to the helpdesk.
verb + preposition
- fall for phishingEven careful employees can fall for phishing.
- protect against phishingTraining helps protect against phishing.
verb + noun
- report phishingPlease report phishing to the security team.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a phishingCorrect: a phishing email