Phishing attacks are a common occurrence that poses a security challenge for both individuals and small businesses. In 2022 alone, over 255 million phishing attacks took place. Hackers stole valuable business data.
You need to implement certain security measures if you want to keep your sensitive information safe, like passwords and credit card details. If you want to learn more about phishing and how to prevent it, continue reading. For VPN internet security service, visit VPNgeniX.
What is Phishing?
Phishing puts users at risk as it takes advantage of them through electronic communications. Individuals and organizations can fall victim to attackers trying to gain access to confidential and sensitive information like usernames, passwords, network credentials, credit/debit card information, etc.
A cybercriminal will pose as a legitimate institution or individual who will contact you via email, text, or call. They use advanced social engineering techniques to manipulate the victims into clicking on a link or attachment—or willfully disclosing confidential information.
Regardless of who you are, all personal and organizational data is valuable and at risk because of phishing attacks. These scams are more likely to target small businesses or state-backed institutions to spy.
Phishing Attacks
Here are some common phishing attempts through which hackers can obtain sensitive user information. Most scams use text messages, emails, phone calls, or social media tools to manipulate and trick victims.
Spear Phishing
These are emails and messages that aim to gather valuable information from their targets. Spear phishing is carried out in the form of unique, customized messages that ask you to submit information and important details.
Clone Phishing
In close phishing, attackers make identical copies of your delivered emails or messages. They make them seem legitimate by adding a malicious link or attachment.
Whaling
This form of phishing attacks senior-level executives or high-profile authorities in an organization. Whaling attacks pose a high-level legal business communication to manipulate the victims.
How to Prevent Phishing?
You should educate your employees about phishing attacks if you’re a small business or organization. They should be able to identify suspicious links, emails, and attachments. Cybercriminals constantly innovate and refine their techniques. Hence, spreading awareness is crucial.
Here are some obvious signs of a phishing attempt through an email, call, or text:
- Extremely doubtful offers
- Weird or unusual sender
- Spelling mistakes and poor grammar
- Threats of shutting down your account, extreme urgency conveyed
- Links with unusual destination URLs
- Attachments like .exe files
You can also enable security measures like secure VPN servers online, two-factor authentification, email filters, antivirus with a VPN, and augmented passwords.
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