Which of the following is a common indication of a phishing attempt?

The correct choice highlights a critical red flag in recognizing a phishing attempt. Phishing typically involves deceptive tactics to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or financial data. One common technique used by cybercriminals is creating a sense of urgency. This pressure can make individuals act quickly without fully considering the legitimacy of the request.

Phishing emails often appear to come from legitimate organizations and may ask recipients to urgently verify account details or complete transactions. This tactic exploits psychological factors, prompting recipients to overlook potential warning signs and act hastily. Understanding this behavior can help individuals identify and avoid potential phishing scams.

On the other hand, personalized greetings in emails could sometimes indicate legitimacy, as bona fide companies often use recipient names. Clear and professional language may also be used by legitimate organizations, and links to official websites are common in authentic communication. Therefore, urgency is a more definitive sign of phishing than the other indicators mentioned.