What is a common defense against phishing attempts?

A common defense against phishing attempts involves being cautious about the emails one interacts with, particularly in only opening emails from known senders. Phishing emails typically impersonate trustworthy entities, hoping to deceive recipients into clicking on malicious links or providing sensitive information. By only engaging with emails from trusted sources, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to these types of scams.

While the other options may enhance overall cybersecurity practices, they do not specifically target phishing. Regular software updates help to patch vulnerabilities but do not prevent phishing attempts themselves. Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security for account access but does not stop phishing from occurring. Disconnecting from the internet is not a practical or effective strategy, as it would inhibit normal online activities while leaving other aspects of security unaddressed. Therefore, maintaining vigilance regarding the source of emails is an essential and direct approach to combatting phishing.