What type of email is designed to look legitimate but contains malicious links?

The type of email designed to look legitimate but contains malicious links is phishing. Phishing emails are crafted to deceive recipients into believing they are from trustworthy sources, such as banks, online services, or well-known companies. The intention behind these emails is to trick individuals into clicking on links that lead to fraudulent websites or downloading harmful attachments.

These emails typically use tactics like urgent language or official logos to create a sense of legitimacy and prompt an immediate response from the recipient. Once a person interacts with the malicious links, they may unknowingly provide sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card details, or unintentionally download malware to their devices.

Understanding the nature of phishing is crucial for protecting personal and sensitive information from cyber threats, as they can lead to serious repercussions like identity theft or financial loss.