In the field of processor security, phishing is the illegally fake process of attempt to obtain receptive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by cloaked as a reliable thing in an electronic communication. Communications purport to be from well-liked social web sites, auction sites, online payment processors or IT administrators are normally used to tempt the innocent public.

Phishing is naturally accepted out by e-mail. or instant messaging and it frequently direct users to enter particulars at a counterfeit website whose look and feel are approximately indistinguishable to the genuine one. Phishing is an example of social engineering techniques used to fool users, and exploit the poor usability of existing web security technologies. Attempt to deal with the rising number of report phishing incidents include legislation, user training, public awareness, and technical security measures. A phishing technique was described in detail in 1987, and the first recorded use of the term "phishing" was made in 1996.

The break caused by phishing range from denial of access to e-mail to considerable monetary loss. It is probable that between May 2004 and May 2005, approximately 1.2 million computer users in the United States suffered losses caused by phishing, totaling about US$929 million. United States business drop an predictable US$2 billion per year as their clients become victims In 2007, phishing attacks escalated. 3.6 million Adults lost US$3.2 billion in the 12 months ending in August 2007. Microsoft claims these estimate are grossly blown up and puts the annual phishing loss in the US at US$60 million.[50] In the United Kingdom losses from web banking fraud—mostly from phishing—almost doubled to GB£23.2m in 2005, from GB£12.2m in 2004, while 1 in 20 computer users claimed to have lost out to phishing in 2005.