Is phishing considered a legal tactic used by social engineers according to the material?

Phishing is classified as an illegal tactic because it involves deceptive practices intended to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. This manipulation is typically done through fraudulent emails, websites, or communications that impersonate legitimate organizations. Laws regulating internet fraud and identity theft specifically target such behaviors, categorizing them as criminal activities.

Phishing undermines trust in electronic communications and creates significant risks for individuals and organizations, leading to financial losses and data breaches. Therefore, any activity that falls under the umbrella of phishing is illegal as it violates legal statutes designed to protect individuals from fraud and unauthorized access to their personal information.