What is the main purpose of a phishing attack?

The main purpose of a phishing attack is to acquire sensitive information from individuals, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data. Phishing is a type of social engineering where attackers masquerade as trustworthy entities to deceive victims. This can occur through emails, messages, or fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate ones, prompting individuals to provide their confidential information willingly.

The attack often exploits human psychology, leveraging tactics like urgency or fear to encourage quick responses without the victim fully considering the legitimacy of the request. Once the attacker successfully gathers this sensitive data, they can use it for various malicious purposes, including identity theft, unauthorized access to accounts, or financial fraud.