Phishing attacks work by deceiving individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, typically through fraudulent emails or websites. Attackers impersonate legitimate entities, luring victims to click on malicious links or download harmful attachments. Prevention measures include educating users about recognizing suspicious communications, employing email filters, and using two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. Regular security training can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to such attacks.