Detecting Phishing Scams
What Is Phishing and How To Detect It?
Phishing is when criminals use the internet to steal your personal data such as: passwords, social security numbers, or banking information. These criminals tend to be successful by disguising themselves as someone else and hoping the victim falls for it.
Phishing emails may look they are coming from a trusted source with an incentive for you to click on an attachment or a link. It is always important to analyze the email address of the sender and hover over the links of an email before clicking. When in doubt, do not click on the link. If it is a trusted company, you can always pick up the phone and call or login to your account from a new browser.
Often times, cyber criminals will tell a story or give you a reason to open the email out of urgency. The email may express a suspicious login, a fake invoice, HR information, and the list continues. When reading an email that prompts you to act quickly, always go to your account through a new browser. If there is a problem with your account or the security of your account, you will be notified when you login through a separate browser.
4 Ways To Protect Yourself From Phishing Attack
- Use a security software. If you need any assistance with setting your computer up with a reliable security software, DIS would be more than happy to assist you.
- Protect your mobile device. Phishing attacks are not just limited to emails, these criminals can get into your phone and steal your personal data. Always be sure to have your phone update automatically.
- Use multi-factor authentication. Several sites that hold your personal information have the option to enable multi-factor authentication which requires you to provide 2 or more credentials before having access to your account.
- Utilize a backup solution. Make sure you have your data backed up in case someone does get access to your data and holds it ransom, you will be able to restore your data from the latest backup. If you need assistance in setting up a backup and disaster recovery plan for your business, please contact DIS for further assistance.