Question

Explain Phishing and suggest two precautions to take during E-commerce transactions.

Hint:

If an online deal looks too good to be true, it probably is — always verify before you buy.

Answer 1

Step 1: Meaning of Phishing.
Phishing is a type of cybercrime in which fraudsters attempt to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, or bank account numbers by pretending to be a trustworthy organization. They usually send fake emails, messages, or create fake websites that look genuine to trick users into revealing personal information.

Step 2: How Phishing Works.
In phishing attacks, users may receive an email or message claiming to be from a bank, shopping website, or payment service. The message often contains a link that directs the user to a fake website. When the user enters confidential information, the attacker captures it for fraudulent use.

Step 3: Precautions During E-commerce Transactions.
1. Use Secure Websites (HTTPS):
Always check that the website URL begins with https:// and displays a padlock symbol in the address bar. This indicates that the connection is encrypted and secure.

2. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links:
Do not click on unknown or suspicious email links asking for personal or payment details. Instead, manually type the official website address into the browser to ensure authenticity.

Conclusion.
Phishing is an online fraud technique used to steal sensitive information. It can be prevented by using secure websites and avoiding suspicious links during online transactions.