How do phishing emails steal credentials?

Phishing emails create urgency directing victims to fake login pages. Common pretexts: "Your account is suspended," "Unusual activity detected," or "Update your payment information." Links lead to attacker-controlled pages mimicking legitimate sites.

Credential capture process: victim clicks link, sees convincing fake login page, enters credentials, data submits to attacker server, victim may be redirected to real site (masking the theft). Attackers gain working credentials.

Sophistication varies: basic attacks use obvious fakes, advanced attacks use pixel-perfect clones with valid SSL, real-time credential validation, and 2FA bypass techniques. Defense requires user awareness plus technical controls.