Introduction to Phishing Attacks

Hello there and welcome to the lesson on Phishing Attacks. I am Geek Squad Agent Stephen, and I will be taking you through today’s lesson! Before you get started, please read through this quick introduction, and be sure to check out the Introduction to Online Safety course with my coworker Jimmy if you haven’t already!

Phishing is the method of trying to gain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, personal details through deceptive emails and websites. Although we all have at one point experienced some sort of phishing attempt, we may not be aware of the different types, and more importantly how to stay safe from them. By taking this lesson you will be introduced to the different types of phishing attacks, you will understand how they work, how to spot a phishing attack and how to stay safe from them.

Wow, we have a lot to learn today! Before we get started, please review the key technology terms below. These are terms that are mentioned throughout the lesson.

Key Technology Terms

• Phishing: the method of trying to gain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, personal details through deceptive emails and websites.
• Phishing Kit: pre-made kits that are sold online to cybercriminals to use to attempt phishing attacks
• Cybercrime: crime that involves a computer and a network
• Cybercriminal: an individual or a team of people who use technology to commit malicious activities to steal personal information