What type of cyber attack uses fake websites to target confidential information?

A phishing attack is a type of cyber attack that utilizes fake websites, emails, or messages to deceive individuals into providing confidential information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card numbers. This technique often involves creating a copy of a legitimate website to make it appear authentic, tricking users into entering their sensitive data. Phishing exploits social engineering tactics, leveraging the trust people have in recognizable brands or institutions.

Understanding phishing is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of vigilance and security awareness in online activities. Organizations often implement training and security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to mitigate the risk associated with phishing attempts.

In contrast, attacks such as brute force rely on guessing passwords, DDoS attacks aim to overwhelm a service and make it unavailable, and SQL injection targets database vulnerabilities. These methods do not specifically involve creating fake websites to acquire confidential information.