Phishing and Social Engineering

Definition ∞ Phishing and social engineering are deceptive tactics used by cybercriminals to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that compromise their security. Phishing typically involves fraudulent communications, such as emails or websites, designed to trick users into revealing credentials. Social engineering encompasses a broader range of psychological manipulation techniques to gain trust or exploit human vulnerabilities. Both methods exploit human psychology rather than technical flaws.
Context ∞ Phishing and social engineering remain among the most prevalent and effective attack vectors targeting cryptocurrency users and digital asset platforms. News often reports on widespread campaigns designed to steal private keys, seed phrases, or exchange login details. The continuous threat underscores the importance of user education and vigilance against suspicious communications. Security awareness training is a primary defense against these non-technical attacks.