phishing

/ ˈfɪʃɪŋ /

noun

1. the practice of using fraudulent e-mails and copies of legitimate websites to extract financial data from computer users for purposes of identity theft

Word History and Origins

Origin of phishing¹

C21: from fishing in the sense of catching the unwary by offering bait; computer-hacker slang often replaces f with ph

Example Sentences

Did you respond to a phishing email from TV Licensing?’,” she said.

From BBC

When she realised it had been a phishing email, she contacted her bank and cancelled the card – but the deceit did not end there.

From BBC

Gamified activities can make lessons interactive and engaging — for example, turn spotting phishing emails into a treasure hunt or host a "password showdown" to see who can create the most secure login.

From Salon

Phishing scams: These involve fake emails or texts disguised as legitimate communications from trusted companies.

From Salon

Advanced phishing kits can even intercept 2FA codes in real time, allowing attackers to log in before the user becomes aware of the breach.

From Salon