What is the primary goal of phishing attacks?

The primary goal of phishing attacks is to gain personal information for identity theft. Phishing involves deceptive tactics, usually through emails or fake websites, designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal information. This stolen information can then be used maliciously to impersonate the victim, access their accounts, or commit fraud.

Understanding this goal is crucial because it highlights the serious threat phishing poses to individuals and organizations. Recognizing phishing attempts can help users protect their information and respond appropriately, such as questioning unexpected communications that solicit personal details.