In computer security, what does the term "phishing" refer to?

Phishing refers to an attempt to acquire sensitive information from individuals, such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, typically by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. This often takes the form of emails or messages that appear legitimate but are designed to trick recipients into divulging confidential information.

The essence of phishing lies in its deceptive nature, where the attacker creates a façade—like an official-looking email from a bank or a well-known service provider—that prompts the target to click on a fraudulent link or provide personal details under the guise of a legitimate request. The ultimate goal is to exploit the trust of the user.

Other choices, while related to computer security, do not accurately capture the specific definition of phishing. For example, installing malware refers to a different kind of cyber attack, where malicious software is placed on a device to disrupt operations or steal information. Unauthorized access to data implies breaching of security without consent, which also differs from the deception involved in phishing. Sending spam emails may be a tactic used in phishing campaigns, but not all spam emails are designed to acquire sensitive information. Therefore, the focus on sensitive information acquisition makes the chosen answer the most accurate representation of phishing.