Avoiding Phishing Attacks

Imagine receiving an email from your bank, urgently asking you to verify your account information to resolve an issue. It looks legitimate, but it's actually a trap set by cybercriminals.

This is an example of phishing, a type of scam where attackers pose as trustworthy entities to steal your personal information.

Phishing can come in many forms, such as emails, social media messages, or fake websites, all designed to trick you into revealing sensitive data. These attacks often exploit current events or holidays, making them even more convincing.

Understanding how phishing works and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial in today's digital world. 

Handling Suspicious Messages

  • Think before you act. Be cautious of messages urging immediate action, offering something too good to be true, or asking for personal information.
  • When in doubt, throw it out. Delete or report suspicious messages, even if you know the source.
  • Follow up. Verify unusual messages from known senders using another communication method.
  • Visit trusted sources. Ensure unfamiliar websites are legitimate before downloading information.
  • Do not reply to spam. Report spam messages instead of clicking “unsubscribe” links.
  • Avoid clicking suspicious links. Use a reputable search engine or type the URL directly into your browser.

Securing Your Accounts & Devices

  • Use stronger authentication. Enable multifactor authentication to verify authorized access.
  • Create strong passwords. Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols.
  • Make passwords unique. Don’t reuse passwords. If one becomes compromised, it increases the chance that others will be too. 
  • Connect to trusted networks. Use a reputable VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
  • Update antivirus software. Keep your devices equipped with regularly updated antivirus software, firewalls, email filters, and anti-spyware.
  • Keep software up to date. Ensure your devices have the latest updates from reliable developers.

Reducing Spam

  • Avoid publishing your email address. Spammers can harvest any email address posted online.
  • Read privacy policies. Know how your email address and other information about you will be used.
  • Use an alternate email account for newsletters and registrations. It can easily be deleted if spam becomes an issue or the email address is compromised.

If You Think You Are a Victim

  • Report it. Inform your organization and network administrators if you believe sensitive information has been revealed.
  • Watch for changes. Monitor your financial accounts for unusual activity and contact your financial institution if needed.
  • Change your passwords. Immediately update any compromised passwords and avoid reusing them.
  • Watch for signs of identity theft. Look for unusual charges, strange accounts on your credit report, and unexpected credit card denials.
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