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Using a fraudulent communication, such as an e-mail, to trick the receiver into divulging critical information such as account numbers, passwords, or other identifying information is called ____________

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Final answer:

Phishing is the act of using fraudulent emails or other electronic communication to deceive recipients into revealing sensitive information. It is a form of cyber crime that can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using a fraudulent communication, such as an e-mail, to trick the receiver into divulging critical information such as account numbers, passwords, or other identifying information is called phishing. Phishing is a type of cyber crime where the attacker poses as a trustworthy entity, usually through email or other electronic communication,.

In order to deceive the recipient into revealing sensitive information. These fraudulent emails often contain urgent or alarming messages that prompt the recipient to click on a link or provide their personal information. Phishing attacks can lead to identity theft and financial loss.

For example, in 2014, there was a major phishing attack on iCloud where hackers breached the data storage site and leaked private photos of celebrities. This incident highlighted the potential risks of falling prey to phishing scams and the importance of being cautious when interacting with unfamiliar electronic communications.

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