Which of the following is a common form of cyber attack?

Phishing is a common form of cyber attack that typically involves fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information from individuals, often through deceptive emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate sources. Attackers may impersonate trusted entities to manipulate victims into sharing personal details such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other confidential data.

This method is particularly effective because it exploits human psychology, often using urgency or fear to prompt quick responses without critical thinking. Phishing attacks can lead to severe consequences, including financial loss and identity theft, and are a significant concern in cybersecurity.

In contrast, data analysis and software updates are not forms of cyber attacks; instead, they are processes that contribute to maintaining security and improving systems. Cloud computing is a technological framework that involves storing and accessing data over the internet, which, while potentially a target for cyber attacks, is not an attacking method itself. Understanding phishing as a specific tactic utilized by cybercriminals highlights the importance of being vigilant and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information.