Phishing is a type of cyber-attack, which uses disguised email as a dangerous weapon. The key goal is to trick email recipients into believing that the message is something they need or want from their bank.
Phishing attacks are also the most popular security challenges, which companies and people face in keeping their personal details secure. Whether it is accessing credit cards or passwords, hackers may use phone calls and email to steal valuable information.
How it Works
There is no mystery behind phishing scams. Although cybercriminals continuously advance their techniques for changing trends, the process is fairly predictable. Attackers usually choose their targets, come up with convincing lure, bait the hook, and reel in victims.
Anyone using phones or the internet might be a target for phishing attackers. These scams usually try to:
- Gain control over your online accounts
- Infect your laptop/phone with a malware
- Persuade you to send valuables or cash willingly
- Steal your credentials to get your identity or money
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Many scammers use text messages or email to trick victims into giving their personal details. If they can get those details, they may access your bank, email, and other accounts.
While scammers usually update their methods, red flags can help you recognize a phishing text message or email. This may include a coupon for free things, a fake invoice, a link to make payment, and any message, which use threats, a sense of emergency, and fear.
Common Types of Attacks
Some specific forms of phishing attacks use more target techniques to scam certain organizations or individuals. For instance, spear phishing messages may not appear as general attack attempts. Attackers usually gather details regarding their targets so as to fill emails with authentic context. Some scammers also hijack email communications for business and make highly customized messages.
Deceptive is also another common type of scam. When it comes to this ploy, scammers normally impersonates a legitimate organization in an attempt to steal individuals’ login credentials or personal data. Those scamming messages usually use a sense of urgency and threats so as to scare people into doing what the cybercriminals want. Apart from spear and deceptive phishing, other scamming types include:
- Clone phishing
- Vishing
- CEO fraud
- Whaling
- Tabnabbing
- Bulk phishing
- Pharming
How to Prevent Attacks
Phishing attacks have been there practically since the internet came into the picture, and they won’t come to an end anytime soon. Luckily, there are several ways you may use to prevent becoming a victim.
If you want to future proof your company, IT consulting can change your business with a strategic roadmap, which aligns with your requirements and goals. These goals may include installing an anti-phishing toolbar. Many internet browsers are customized with anti-phishing toolbars. Such tools usually run a quick check on the websites which you visit. In case you stumble upon malicious sites, the toolbars may notify you about it. Apart from future proofing your business, you may also need to:
- Identify the language used in the email message
- Avoid sharing your credentials
- Think twice before clicking links
- Check your accounts regularly
- Be cautious of pop-ups
The Takeaway!
Phishing attacks are the most common methods of scams you will likely encounter almost every day. They are a profitable scamming method for attackers because thousands of people fall prey each year.
Because of their commonplace nature, you can easily avoid these attacks, especially when you know how to watch out for red flags and prevent them.