Phishing is a cyberattack where scammers impersonate reputable people or organizations in order to steal sensitive information. Through email, text messages, or phone calls, scammers can attempt to get your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security number. Once they do, they can access your email, bank account, or other accounts or sell this information to other scammers.
How to Spot a Phishing Email
These messages often tell a story to trick the recipient into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. They could appear to be from an online payment website or app or from a trusted source like a bank, credit card company, or utility company.
Common tactics include:
- claiming there’s a problem with your account or your payment information,
- containing an invoice you don’t recognize,
- offering a coupon for free stuff,
- saying they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or login attempts,
- saying you need to confirm personal or financial information,
- saying you’re eligible to register for a government refund,
- or wanting you to click on a link to make a payment.
Typical characteristics make them easy to recognize. They usually:
- ask for sensitive information, which legitimate businesses will not ask for via email.
- contain obvious spelling or grammar mistakes.
- have links that don’t take you to the domain. To check, hover the cursor over any links to see what site they’d take you to.
- include unsolicited attachments, whereas legitimate businesses will not attach or ask you to download files.
- try to panic the recipients with a threat or an urgent offer or reward.
- use a different domain. For example, an email from Amazon would come from @amazon.com, not @hotmail.com or @gmail.com.
Types of Phishing Attacks
While phishing attacks can take many forms, their goal is the same. Here are four types to watch out for.
- Spear phishing targets a specific person or group. This often includes information of interest to the target, like current events or financial documents.
- Smishing, also known as SMS phishing, is carried out over text messages.
- Vishing, or voice phishing, tricks people over the phone into divulging sensitive information.
- Whaling targets high-profile employees, such as CEOs or CFOs, in order to take sensitive information from a company.
How to Prevent Phishing
Should you receive a phishing email, the simplest step is to simply not open it. However, if you do open the email, do not click on these unfamiliar links or open their attachments. Also, do not reply, as this lets them know the email address is active; they will retarget you immediately.
The same goes for not answering calls from unknown numbers, and if you do answer a scam call, hang up immediately.
Of course, there are steps you can take to prevent phishing attacks from happening in the first place.
- Be sure your browser and software are up-to-date. Companies constantly release updated versions, so you have a stronger defense against new innovative scams.
- Enable multi-factor authentication, which uses verification methods to confirm your identity when you sign in to your account. This way, if scammers get your username and password, it will be harder for them to log in.
- Have awareness training for employees to ensure they can recognize signs of phishing and know how to report such attempts to corporate security staff.
- Use anti-virus software to prevent, detect, and remove any malware that enters.
Protect Against Phishing Attacks
Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect your sensitive information.
For expert assistance in securing your mobile devices, reach out to CC3 Solutions! We’ll manage your security services, ranging from end-point security to security and event management (SIEM), to decrease your business’s risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. Integrate cybersecurity solutions for your business by contacting us today!