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

A request for personal information is a common sign of a phishing attempt because phishing scams typically aim to deceive individuals into providing sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, and financial information. Cybercriminals often create emails or messages that appear legitimate and may present a sense of urgency, prompting recipients to act quickly and enter their personal details on a fraudulent website. This tactic exploits trust and often plays on emotions, such as fear or curiosity, to manipulate the victim into complying with their request.

While personalized content, a professional-looking logo, and grammar and spelling errors can also appear in phishing attempts, they are not as definitive indicators as a direct request for personal information. Personalized content might be an attempt to appear more convincing, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate phishing on its own. A professional-looking logo can lend an air of legitimacy to a scam, and while grammar and spelling errors can be a warning sign, they are less commonly associated with well-crafted phishing attempts, which may intentionally avoid obvious mistakes to deceive users more effectively. Thus, the presence of a request for personal information stands out as the clearest and most direct indication of phishing activity.