What is Phishing?Phishing is a type of cyber attack where scammers pretend to be legitimate organizations (such as banks, social networks, or well-known websites) to steal personal information like account credentials, passwords, or credit card details.
Signs of a Phishing Email/Website:- Email/Website seems unofficial: Double-check the sender’s email address and website URL. If the domain name appears suspicious (e.g., instead of netflix.com it’s net-flix.com), it could be a phishing attempt.
- Content requests personal information: Reputable organizations will never ask you to provide sensitive information through email or messages.
- Hidden links: Hover over links (don’t click) to inspect the URL. If the link does not lead to the official website address, avoid clicking on it.
How to Prevent Phishing Attacks:- Always verify the email and website source: Before logging in or providing personal information, ensure you are on the official website.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activating 2FA adds an extra layer of security, protecting your account even if your password is compromised.
- Do not download or open attachments: Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources, especially .exe, .bat, or .zip files.
- Use security software: Ensure you have antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your computer and mobile device.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attack?:- Change your passwords immediately: Change the passwords of the affected account and any other accounts with similar or identical passwords.
- Report the incident: Notify the respective organization (bank, company) or the security support team if you’ve already provided sensitive information.
Stay Vigilant! Don’t click on suspicious links and always verify before sharing any personal details.
Pro Tip: Always use strong and unique passwords for different accounts to minimize the risk in case one account gets compromised.
