Which of the following describes a method that involves manipulating a user into providing sensitive information?

The correct answer is phishing, which specifically refers to a method where attackers deceive individuals into providing sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, or bank details, by posing as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. This often occurs through emails, messages, or fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones.

Phishing is particularly effective because it exploits human psychology, creating a sense of urgency or fear that prompts individuals to act quickly without verifying the source. The effectiveness of phishing stems from its targeted approach, often involving personal details that make the deception more convincing.

While social engineering is a broader term that encompasses various tactics used to manipulate individuals into divulging information, phishing is a specific type of social engineering focused on gaining sensitive data through deceptive electronic means. The other options, net spoofing and data mining, do not directly involve manipulating users to provide sensitive information in the same manner as phishing, as net spoofing relates more to deceiving systems or networks, and data mining involves analyzing large data sets for patterns, rather than directly soliciting information from individuals.