> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://blog.be-hacktive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://blog.be-hacktive.com/tip-1-raising-awareness/phishing.md).

# Phishing

## Definition and background

{% hint style="success" %}
Phishing is a cybercrime in which one or more targets are contacted by e-mail, telephone or SMS by an entity posing as a legitimate institution or person, in order to trick individuals into providing sensitive data such as personal identification information, bank or credit card details, and passwords.
{% endhint %}

![](/files/-MkK8iSfvgjiZWIClR5W)

This information is then used to access important accounts, and can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

To avoid falling prey to these scams yourself, it's useful to have a basic understanding of their history, how they work and, above all, how to recognize an attack of this type.

## Table of contents

| Title      | Description                                                      |
| ---------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Origins    | Describes the origins of phishing since the first attack.        |
| Evolution  | The evolution of phishing from its inception to the present day. |
| Statistics | Phishing figures.                                                |
| Techniques | Phishing techniques used by cybercriminals.                      |
| Protection | How to detect phishing, protect yourself and file a complaint.   |