How to avoid phishing attacks
Here are five tips that can help you in identifying and preventing phishing attacks:
- Phishing campaigns are often launched around major events
Look out for campaigns around holidays, birthdays, breaking news and stories both true and fictitious. Yes, they will know your birthday, think Facebook!
- Language is not a barrier
Phishing campaigns can target you in any language. They are usually appallingly translated or written.
- Promise of gifts and copious amounts of money
Beware of promises of gifts, monies and earnings through different communication channels that are often not conceivable. This is the “hook” you want to avoid. Live by the old adage of “A promise is a comfort to a fool”.
- Do not click on suspicious links embedded in emails
Duplicating a company’s website, logo and information is easy, after all the information is in the public domain. Therefore, if you receive any suspicious emails with links, attachments or directing you to a website specifically from your bank and/or a company you are/have done business with give them a call before opening the links.
- A secure website is a must!
Enter your personal and financial information, passwords and account information into a secure website only. In order for a website to be secure it must begin with “https://” and your browser should show a closed locked icon.
Extensive research has been done by cyber criminals to know what key terms and phrases to use to pull information out of users. To prevent this, keep up to date with the various phishing attempts and look out for any irregularities. If you have the slightest doubt do not RISK it!