Computer Science GCSE
Phishing
What Phishing means in Computer Science GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Phishing
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
A form of social engineering where attackers send fraudulent emails designed to trick people into revealing sensitive information or installing malware.
A social engineering attack where an attacker sends a fraudulent message designed to trick a person into revealing sensitive information.
Topics that use Phishing
- Cybersecurity (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
- Topic 5: Issues and impact (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Social Engineering
- Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
- Brute Force Attack
- Denial of Service (DoS) Attack
- Digital Divide
- Encryption
- Firewall
- Malware
Using Phishing in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
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