7 ways to protect yourself from phishing

Phishing scams use deception to steal information or gain access to your systems. Cybercriminals often pose as trusted businesses or individuals and may disguise malicious software as legitimate tools, tricking you into installing it.

Here are common phishing tactics and how to safeguard yourself:

Common Phishing Tactics

1. Content Injection
   Scammers alter legitimate websites, such as email logins or online banking portals, by injecting malicious links, forms, or pop-ups. These redirect users to fraudulent sites designed to steal confidential information.
2. Phishing Emails
   The most common method, phishing emails, target both personal and work inboxes. They may ask you to click a link, follow instructions, or open an attachment containing malware.
3. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
   Cybercriminals intercept communications between two parties, altering messages or requests to steal sensitive data without either party realizing.
4. Spear Phishing
   This highly targeted form of phishing focuses on specific individuals, using personalized information to appear legitimate and increase the likelihood of success.
5. Link Manipulation
   Malicious links often appear to be from reputable sources, such as well-known brands or companies. Clicking these links redirects users to fake websites where login credentials or account details are stolen.

How to Protect Yourself

Falling victim to a phishing attack can compromise confidential data, infect networks, or result in financial losses. Use these seven strategies to stay safe:

1. Inspect Email Addresses
   Carefully check the sender’s email address. A subtle misspelling or unusual format may indicate fraud.
2. Be Wary of Generic Greetings
   Emails with vague salutations like “Dear Customer” and urgent requests are often phishing attempts.
3. Verify Contact Information
   Avoid replying directly to suspicious emails. Instead, initiate a new email or call the sender using official contact details.
4. Avoid Sending Sensitive Information
   Never share private information via email. If absolutely necessary, use a secure phone line.
5. Double-Check Links
   Hover over links before clicking to inspect the URL. Instead of clicking, visit the official website directly.
6. Beware of Unexpected Attachments
   Do not open attachments from unknown senders or unexpected emails from friends or colleagues.
7. Use Phishing and Spam Filters
   Enable phishing filters on your email apps and activate spam filters to minimize exposure to suspicious messages.