Phishing is one of the most common and effective methods of cybercrime, accounting for billions of dollars in losses each year. And it’s only getting worse; phishing attacks increased by 65% in 2017. So what is phishing, and how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim?
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack in which criminals attempt to trick victims into giving them sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information. They do this by creating emails or websites that look like they’re from a credible source, but are actually fake. Phishing attacks are becoming more and more sophisticated, making it harder and harder for people to spot them. And even if you are able to spot a phishing email or website, it can be difficult to resist the temptation to click on the link or enter your information. That’s why phishing is such a big threat; it’s easy for attackers to carry out, and it’s hard for people to protect themselves from. But there are some things you can do to protect yourself from phishing attacks.
- Be suspicious of any email or website that asks for personal information. If you weren’t expecting an email from someone, be wary of clicking on any links or attachments. And if you’re ever directed to a website to enter your login credentials, make sure the URL is correct before entering any information.
- Hover over links in emails to see where they’ll take you before clicking on them. This will show you the actual URL, which can help you spot a phishing site.
- Look for spelling and grammatical errors in emails and websites. Phishing emails and websites are often created in a hurry and will often contain errors.
- Be cautious of emails or websites that create a sense of urgency. Phishing emails and websites will often try to get you to act quickly by saying that your account will be closed if you don’t take action, or by offering a limited time discount.
- If you’re ever unsure about an email or website, contact the company directly to verify its authenticity. Do not use the contact information provided in the email or on the website; instead, look for contact information on the company’s official website.
- Last but not least, make sure you have a robust security solution in place that includes phishing protection. A good security solution will be able to detect and block phishing emails and websites, as well as protect your sensitive information if you do happen to fall for a phishing attack.
Cybersecurity is a complex issue, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But by following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phishing attacks. And if you need help securing your business, contact a cybersecurity solutions provider like ThrottleNet for assistance. They can help you develop a comprehensive security solution that will protect your business from phishing and other types of cybercrime. For more information, please visit www.throttlenet.com today.