Phishing attacks are one of the most prevalent and dangerous forms of cybercrime today. These attacks exploit human psychology and technical vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information, including login credentials, financial data, and personal identification. This paper explores the anatomy of phishing attacks, common techniques employed by attackers, notable real-world cases, and advanced countermeasures using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and user education. A comprehensive analysis of phishing trends and defense strategies is provided to inform both technical and non-technical audiences about the importance of cybersecurity resilience.