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Gary Hibberd

20200731

Welcome back to Cyber Awareness Month at Cyberfort!

Last week, we discussed the importance of strong password security. This week, we’re diving into a pervasive and deceptive cyber threat: phishing. Let’s explore how to spot phishing attempts and protect yourselves and your organisation from falling victim to these scams.

The Phishing Threat

Phishing is a cyberattack method that relies on deception to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial data, or personal information. Phishing attacks can occur through various channels, including emails, text messages, social media, and even phone calls.

Recognising Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are a common and dangerous form of attack. Here are key signs to look for in phishing emails:

  1. Generic Greetings: Phishing emails often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name.

  2. Urgent or Threatening Language: Be cautious of emails that create a sense of urgency, such as threats of account suspension or legal action.

  3. Spoofed Email Addresses: Check the sender’s email address carefully. Cybercriminals often use email addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones.

  4. Suspicious Links: Hover over links in emails without clicking to see the actual URL. Be cautious if the link doesn’t match the expected destination.

  5. Attachments: Don’t open attachments from unknown sources, as they can contain malware.

  6. Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organisations won’t ask you to share sensitive information via email.

  7. Spelling and Grammar Errors: Phishing emails often contain spelling and grammar mistakes.

Avoiding Phishing Scams

To protect yourself from phishing threats, we advise you to follow these precautions:

  1. Verify Requests: If you receive an email requesting sensitive information or financial transactions, verify its authenticity through a trusted source before taking any action.

  2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

  3. Don’t Click on Links: Be cautious with email links. Instead of clicking, type the URL directly into your browser.

  4. Educate Yourself: Familiarise yourself and your colleagues with common phishing tactics and signs of phishing emails.

  5. Report Suspicious Emails: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to our IT department immediately.

  6. Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest phishing threats and tactics.

 Social Engineering and Phone-Based Phishing

Phishing attacks can extend beyond email. Cybercriminals may also use social engineering tactics or phone calls to deceive individuals. Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls requesting sensitive information and be sceptical of unfamiliar individuals or unusual requests.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks can be highly convincing, but with vigilance and knowledge, we can defend against them. By recognising the signs of phishing attempts, following best practices and staying informed, we can protect ourselves from falling victim to these scams.

Next week, we’ll delve into another cybersecurity topic to further enhance our awareness and defences. If you would like to discuss your cybersecurity with an expert contact us today .

Stay vigilant and secure in the digital landscape!