Prevent phishing attempts with the help of Incogni
Phishing attempts can be easy to avoid when you know what to look out for
Since the pandemic, the number of attempted phishing attacks has dramatically increased, with 95 per cent of them occurring via email.
It can not only be a major concern for businesses looking to prevent compromise of their sensitive information, but it can also lead to cyber-attacks on individual users as well.
Successful phishing attacks could lead to social media logins being leaked, a loss of finances and in extreme cases, even identity theft. All of which can be accessed through an innocuous message designed to trick users into unwittingly handing over their personal data.
Taking preventative measures to ensure that users are limited to the amount of phishing attempts is a sensible course of action, but how can you reduce your chances?
To find out more about what phishing is, its different types, as well as how to prevent them in the future, then keep reading below for more information.
What is phishing?
Phishing can refer to attempts to use social engineering techniques to scam users out of personal information, such as financial details and online logins.
Phishing attempts usually succeed by assuming the identity of a trusted individual or business, like a bank, to lure out this information. These can often be accompanied by a call to action that demands immediate attention, such as a limited time sale or the threat of an emergency.
What types of phishing are there?
While a phishing attack can be defined as a way of tricking users into giving away data, there are a number of different methods in which they operate.
The most common method is via email and text message, which is designed to target a large number of users. A more targeted approach is known as ‘spear phishing’, where attacks are more carefully tailored towards individuals through research and other means.
‘Whaling’ is another form of phishing that takes a focused approach and targets high-profile targets as well as business leaders with the goal being a more lucrative outcome.
Other terms have also been coined to describe the method of phishing, such as ‘vishing’ (via phone calls) and ‘smishing’ (via text messages). While different terms for these exist, they all follow a similar framework and can be guarded against.
How to spot a phishing attack
If you’ve ever received a message or a phone call out of the blue for an offer that’s ‘too good to be true’, there’s a chance it just might be.
The same can be said for emergency situations where the messenger is urging for immediate action to their claims. Both methods are designed to instill a sense of urgency in the victim in order to decrease the chance of further scrutiny in the moment.
Phishing attacks can also be quickly identified by bad or inconsistent grammar, as well as hyperlinks that are designed to redirect users to fake pages. Attachments can also be an easy way to spot these emails, as they can contain malware or ransomware.
What proactive measures can be taken against phishing?
One simple method to prevent becoming targeted by phishing attacks is to avoid giving out personal information to untrusted sources that ask for it. You can also protect your credentials by using antivirus software as well as password managers to help enforce security to your online accounts.
There is still a chance that various databases online have retained your old contact information, which can still be accessed by data brokers, who sell personal information for marketing purposes, but which can also be accessed by cybercriminals for potential phishing victims.
Removing data from these databases can help ensure your information is kept secure, that is where a data removal subscription service comes in. Right now, Incogni is offering a 50 per cent discount on their services, so you can save on their monthly subscription service.