What is a common sign of phishing attempts?

Urgent requests for personal information are a hallmark of phishing attempts. Phishing is a form of cyberattack where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to trick victims into divulging sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. These messages often create a false sense of urgency, prompting individuals to act quickly without thinking critically about the request.

In contrast, well-established company communications generally do not pressure individuals to provide sensitive information urgently and maintain a professional tone. Encrypted messages from known contacts usually indicate a secure form of communication, reducing the likelihood of phishing. Direct invitations to collaborate on projects, while they can be legitimate, typically do not carry the same urgent tone that characterizes phishing schemes. Therefore, recognizing the pressure often applied in phishing attempts is critical for identifying and avoiding these threats.