Phishing is an unsolicited message (email, text, or phone) that appears to be from a trusted entity but is actually from someone attempting to trick you into divulging private information such as passwords and financial account numbers. Often they install malware on your device. These messages encourage you to click a link that takes you to a fraudulent website where you are asked to log in or submit private information where a scammer collects it. Sometimes they encourage you to open an attachment. Your stolen information is used to commit identity theft, withdraw funds from your financial accounts, or access password-protected sites as you. Malware infestations can bring your device to a halt, damage your files, steal information from it, or install ransomware.
https://it.eku.edu/phishing