How to protect your data from phishing scams

Phishing is a type of cyber attack based on social engineering, where attackers impersonate a trusted source, such as a bank or a popular website, to steal sensitive information from victims. This can include passwords, financial information, and other personal or corporate data. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s 2022 report ( NIST’s 2022 State of Phishing Report), there were 250 million phishing attacks in 2022 alone. This indicates that tens of millions of online scams were executed every month. The number of phishing attacks has increased significantly by 61% since 2021.

There are many popular methods that attackers use to conduct phishing attacks, such as email phishing, spear phishing, smishing, vishing, malware-based phishing, and clone phishing. Email phishing is the most common form of phishing, where attackers send emails that appear to come from a legitimate source to entice victims to click on a link or attachment and provide their information. Spear phishing is a more targeted form of phishing that uses personalized data and research to target specific individuals or organizations.

Phishing attacks have evolved by malicious users to such an extent that they are often difficult to detect by people who are not trained and aware of the risks of cyberspace and can lead to the loss of personal, corporate, and financial data with damaging consequences. However, there are several best practices that can help prevent cyber-phishing attacks and minimize their impact. In this list, we’ll explore some of the most important and effective best practices for protecting your data from phishing attacks.

• Be careful: Always check the email address and URL of the website you are visiting. Phishing emails and websites may look like legitimate ones, but they usually contain minor differences. Check for misspellings, generic greetings, and other suspicious details.
• Do not click on suspicious links: Phishing emails often contain links to fake login pages or sites infected with malware. Hover your mouse pointer over the link to see where it leads before clicking on it. If the URL looks suspicious or the link does not come from a trusted source, do not click on it.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second factor, such as a password or other means of identification, in addition to your password. This makes it harder for attackers to access your account, even if they have your password.
• Keep your software up to date: Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in out-of-date software to gain access to your computer or mobile device. Keep your operating system, web browser, and any other software you use up to date to prevent such attacks.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): a VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it harder for attackers to steal your data. This makes it harder for attackers to hack into your computer.
• Educate yourself and others: Phishing attacks can be sophisticated and difficult to detect, which is why ongoing cybersecurity education and awareness are needed. Educate yourself and your employees on the latest phishing techniques and best practices to stay safe online. Be wary of unsolicited emails, text messages, and phone calls requesting sensitive information.

In conclusion, phishing attacks have become more widespread than ever before. However, by following best practices and taking a proactive approach to cyber security, it is possible to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a phishing attack. By making cybersecurity a priority, you can protect your information and stay protected in the digital age. Remember, prevention is key, and taking steps to protect yourself can go a long way to reducing the likelihood of a cyber attack and minimizing its impact if it does occur.