What is phishing, exactly? Phishing attacks are malicious attempts to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communications. The goal is to collect your information or infect your device with malware. Unfortunately, phishing has become a normal part of life, so recognizing and understanding it is crucial to protecting your personal and organizational data.
Understanding Phishing Attacks
Why is it called phishing? It’s a play on the idea that cybercriminals are using fake “bait” to lure you in like a fish. Phishing techniques have evolved over time, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Common methods of phishing include:
- Email Phishing: Fraudulent emails appearing to come from legitimate sources
- Spear Phishing: Personalized messages targeting specific individuals
- Smishing (SMS phishing): Fake text messages
- Vishing (voice phishing): Fake phone calls
- Clone Phishing: A legitimate-looking email replicated with malicious links or attachments
It may seem like an easy thing to spot, but these criminals are tricky and can design a message that appears to be from a familiar or legitimate source—perhaps even a company you frequently purchase from or connect with online. Some phishing scams are so professional looking that if you click on the link (please don’t!), it takes you to a fake company website that appears normal, making you feel safe for a moment.
How to Spot a Phish
According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, here are three quick ways to spot a phishing scam:
- Does the sender offer a financial reward, threaten you, or claim to need help?
- Are they asking you for personal information (e.g. credit card number, account number, social security number, password, username, etc.)?
- Are they driving you to click a link and/or download a file of some kind?
These tactics should put you on high alert. If the email is not addressed to you by name or if you notice grammatical errors in the message, those are additional red flags.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a Phishing Attempt
The best way to verify you are safe is to contact the company directly. But do not trust a phone number or email address listed within the suspicious communication. We recommend opening a separate internet tab and going to the company’s official website to find a phone number or other contact information. You can also look at previous account statements or other official materials you have from the company.
If you suspect a phishing attempt, do not engage with the email or message. Report the phishing attempt to your IT department or the appropriate authorities. Change your passwords immediately, especially if you clicked on any suspicious links or provided any information. Monitor your accounts for any unusual activity and consider using security software to scan for malware.
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
Protecting yourself from phishing involves a combination of awareness and practical measures. Always verify the source of unsolicited emails and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Regularly update your software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Educate yourself and your organization about the latest phishing tactics and how to respond to potential threats. Taking these proactive steps can mitigate the impact of a phishing attempt and enhance your overall security posture.
Contact us if you have any questions about phishing or other cybersecurity best practices.