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

Concept: Phishing is a common cybercrime where attackers impersonate trusted entities to steal personal or financial information, especially during online transactions.
Step 1: Definition of Phishing.
Phishing is a type of online fraud in which:

• Fake emails, messages, or websites are used
• To trick users into revealing passwords, OTPs, or card details

Examples:

• Fake bank emails asking for login credentials
• Fraudulent shopping websites offering unrealistic discounts

Step 2: Why phishing is dangerous.

• Financial loss
• Identity theft
• Unauthorized account access

Step 3: Precautions during E-commerce transactions.
1. Verify Website Authenticity:

• Check for HTTPS and padlock symbol in the address bar.
• Buy only from trusted and well-known websites.

2. Avoid Suspicious Links:

• Do not click on unknown email or SMS links.
• Type the website URL manually when shopping online.

Other precautions (optional):

• Use secure payment methods
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Do not share OTPs with anyone

Conclusion:
Phishing is a deceptive cyberattack aimed at stealing sensitive information, and it can be prevented during e-commerce transactions by verifying secure websites and avoiding suspicious links.