Final answer:
An employee clicking on a link from a fraudulent email and providing personal information exemplifies phishing, a common tactic used by hackers to commit identity theft and obtain sensitive data. Such incidents underline the importance of robust online security measures for both individuals and organizations.
Step-by-step explanation:
An employee clicking on a link in an email, which appears to be from a fellow employee but leads to a fraudulent website asking for personal information, is an example of phishing. This is a typical tactic used by hackers to lure individuals into providing sensitive data. Cases such as the iCloud breach in 2014 demonstrate the large-scale impact of such attacks, affecting celebrities and leading to the release of private data. However, individuals are also at risk, as evidenced by the various methods criminals use to access personal information, such as identity theft, which can have devastating financial consequences.
Organizations across various sectors, including retail, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications, have experienced data breaches, highlighting the need for enhanced online security. Elements such as two-factor authentication, robust passwords, and ongoing education can help mitigate the risks associated with these types of cyber threats.