Phishing, a form of cybercrime involving the fraudulent acquisition of sensitive information, has emerged as one of the most pervasive threats in the digital era. Despite advancements in cybersecurity, individuals and institutions remain alarmingly vulnerable to this form of deception. According to the UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), phishing attacks accounted for nearly 45% of all cyber incidents reported in 2023, underscoring their prevalence. Typically executed through deceptive emails, websites, or text messages, phishing schemes aim to manipulate recipients into disclosing confidential data such as passwords, financial details, or personal identification numbers. The financial repercussions of phishing are profound. A 2022 report by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimated that British consumers lost over 1.2 billion euros due to phishing-related fraud, an increase of over one-third compared to the previous year. Furthermore, nearly 1 in 5 small businesses in the UK reported suffering a phishing attack that disrupted operations or compromised client data. Beyond financial loss, phishing undermines public trust in digital communication and e-commerce platforms. Sophisticated variants, such as spear-phishing targeted and research-driven attacks, have infiltrated even the most secure corporate and governmental systems. Notably, 62% of data breaches in 2022 were attributed to phishing-related activities, according to IBM's Data Breach Report. In conclusion, phishing poses a significant and evolving threat. A multifaceted response involving public education, robust security protocols, and international cooperation is imperative to mitigate its impact and preserve digital integrity.