There has been a surge in the popularity of “phishing,” and the volume of emails containing malicious content is expected to increase 400%.
The sole aim of phishing is to trick users into giving up their credentials or downloading an attachment that infects their machine to either steal information or download malware.
Phishing emails usually appear to come from a financial institution, e-commerce site, government agency or any other trusted service provider or business. Phishing has also expanded from emails to include SMS messages.
Common features of Phishing emails:
- Too good to be true
- Sense of urgency
- Hyperlinks
- Attachments
- Unusual Sender
- Unsolicited
What is Phishing?
Phishing is a fraudulent attempt designed to obtain money, information or something else of value. It’s called “phishing” because the process uses these messages to “bait and hook” their targets.
Tips for how to avoid getting "hooked"
- Too Good To Be True
- Phishers will offer you amazing deals or quick money to get you to make a careless choice. Ask yourself: Is this too good to be true
- Think Before You Click
- Before clicking on a link, verify the destination URL by hovering over the link. If the URL doesn’t look right, or match your intended website don’t click!
- Slow and steadY
- A sense of urgency or pressure is a classic phishing trick. Take the time to stop and think about what is being asked of you.
- Phish Fight!
- Play hard to get! Don’t download anything you suspect might be dangerous, and don’t send a questionable contact the information they ask for.
- Play hard to get! Don’t download anything you suspect might be dangerous, and don’t send a questionable contact the information they ask for.
- Phishy Situation
- Phishers want to get their “hooks” into you as fast as possible. If someone is too eager to be friends or offers you a great opportunity unexpectedly, it could be a “phishy” situation.
- Phishers want to get their “hooks” into you as fast as possible. If someone is too eager to be friends or offers you a great opportunity unexpectedly, it could be a “phishy” situation.
- Plenty of Phish in the Sea
- Different bait, same hook! Phishing attacks can come through email, phone calls and text messages. Be vigilant and follow these tips to avoid getting “lured” in.
- Different bait, same hook! Phishing attacks can come through email, phone calls and text messages. Be vigilant and follow these tips to avoid getting “lured” in.
- Sharing Isn’t Caring
- Do not forward spam or suspicious emails to friends, family or colleagues!
Just remember: When in doubt, throw it out!