Phishing is one of the most widespread cyber security threats, where an attacker misleads you into opening a malicious link or email attachment by disguising it as something from a legitimate person or trusted company. These links often direct users to fake websites designed to trick them into divulging sensitive information, such as financial and contact details. Read on to learn more about phishing and how to protect yourself.
Defining phishing
Phishing is a type of cyber crime where individuals are deceived into disclosing sensitive information, such as personal, financial, or login details, by someone posing as a trustworthy entity. This can be carried out through various methods, including emails, text messages, phone calls, or even QR codes, often using social engineering techniques.
Why scammers use phishing
Understanding phishing and why scammers use it is crucial for protecting yourself. Scammers aim to trick you into revealing confidential information, which they can exploit for identity theft or financial fraud. This often involves redirecting you to a fake website that looks legitimate to collect sensitive data like login credentials.
Phishing can also be used to infect your device with malware. Attackers may disguise malware as something intriguing, such as important documents or viral videos, to lure you into downloading it. These threats can include trojans and other types of malicious software that compromise your device's security.
What are the different types of phishing attacks?
Phishing attacks come in various forms, all designed to target individuals and organizations to steal sensitive data or install malicious software. Over time, phishing campaigns have evolved and become more sophisticated, with attackers now using AI to enhance the personalization and sophistication of these threats. As these campaigns grow more advanced, staying updated on the latest cyber security measures is essential.
Email phishing
Email phishing is one of the most common types of phishing attacks and, according to IBM, is the leading method for data breaches. Scammers send emails that seem to come from legitimate sources, such as banks or online retailers, requesting sensitive information like login credentials or financial details. These emails often create a sense of urgency, for instance, claiming that the recipient's account will be closed or compromised if immediate action isn't taken. Falling for an email phishing scam can result in the exposure of your personal and financial information.
Spear phishing attacks
While phishing attacks often target victims at random, spear phishing involves more targeted and personalized approaches. In spear phishing, the scam is directed at a specific individual or organization, using social engineering techniques to increase the chances of success. Although spear phishing requires more effort and preparation from the attacker, it’s more likely to deceive its target.
Smishing
Smishing, or SMS phishing, involves sending text messages to mobile devices to trick victims into clicking on malicious links and revealing sensitive information. Although many people are familiar with phishing emails and know how to avoid them, they may be less prepared for SMS phishing attacks. Furthermore, scam text messages can be inserted into existing conversations, making them seem like they come from trusted sources.
Vishing
Phishing can also be conducted through phone calls – a technique known as vishing, or voice phishing. Vishing scams may involve real scam callers, automated text-to-speech software, or AI-generated voices. Regardless of the method used, the goal of a vishing attack is the same as other phishing tactics: to obtain personal information from the victim for exploitation.
Quishing
Quishing, or QR phishing, involves using malicious QR codes to deceive victims into revealing personal information or installing malware. In a quishing attack, scammers create and distribute QR codes that, when scanned, direct users to fake websites or prompt downloads of harmful software. Although QR codes are commonly used and generally perceived as safe, attackers exploit this trust to trick users into providing sensitive data or compromising their devices. As with other phishing methods, the aim of quishing is to exploit the victim’s information for malicious purposes.
How phishing attacks work
Phishing attacks generally follow a series of steps designed to deceive victims into revealing sensitive information or installing malware. Here’s an overview of the typical phishing attack process:
Research and planning: for more targeted phishing attacks, such as in spear phishing, scammers begin by gathering information about their targets, including their interests, habits, and vulnerabilities. This research helps them craft more convincing and personalized phishing messages.
Creating a convincing message: scammers then design a message that appears to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank, online retailer, or government agency. They may use logos, branding, and language that closely mimic the real organization to enhance the message’s authenticity.
Sending the phishing message: the phishing message is sent to the targets, often using automated tools to distribute a high volume of messages. This increases the likelihood of reaching someone who might fall for the scam. Email addresses are often obtained through data breaches or purchased on the dark web.
Tricking the victim: upon receiving the phishing message, the victim may be deceived into disclosing sensitive information like login credentials, financial details, or personal data. The message frequently creates a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action.
Installing malware: some phishing messages include malware, such as viruses or ransomware. When the victim clicks on a link or opens an attachment, the malware is installed on their device, further compromising their security.
Exploiting the victim’s information: scammers use the stolen information to commit identity theft, make unauthorized transactions, or sell the data on the dark web. The impact can be significant, potentially leading to financial loss.
Consequences of phishing attacks
The consequences of a successful phishing attack can be severe, including identity theft, loss of money, and emotional damage. Phishing can compromise sensitive data like financial information and personal identifiable information (PII) and may lead to ransomware or other malware infections. Identity theft is a common outcome, where scammers use your information to open new accounts, apply for credit cards, or file taxes in your name, ultimately impacting your credit score and financial stability.
How to recognize phishing attacks
Recognizing phishing attacks involves spotting specific red flags, including:
Urgent or threatening language
Requests for sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial information
Unusual or unfamiliar sender email addresses
Spelling or grammatical errors in messages
Links or attachments that appear suspicious or are unexpected
Being aware of these signs can help you stay vigilant against various cyber threats including phishing and other suspicious activities.
5 ways to avoid phishing scams
Here are five tips to help you avoid phishing scams. Following these guidelines can significantly enhance your online security.
1. Remember that you are your greatest vulnerability
No one becomes a victim of a phishing scam without being deceived into compromising themselves. A successful phishing attack typically involves opening a phishing email, clicking on a link, or opening an attachment. Often, there are additional steps, such as enabling content that allows malware to infect your device or entering private information into a fraudulent form. Maintaining good cyber hygiene – such as regularly updating your software and being cautious with emails — can help you avoid falling victim to phishing scams.
2. Understand that anyone can become a victim
Phishing attacks can target anyone, regardless of age, occupation, or technical expertise. These attacks are carried out by professional criminals and can be difficult to detect. Phishing often preys on our desire for good news or fear of bad outcomes. For instance, criminals exploit the likelihood that someone might be expecting a delivery or anticipating a gift. Phishing scams related to shipping are particularly common during busy seasons like Christmas and Black Friday. As a form of online fraud, phishing can have severe consequences if you’re not cautious.
3. Phishing often involves credible-looking sources
The most common types of phishing involve email attachments and links. However, phishing attacks can also be delivered via SMS or instant messages. Anything that enhances the credibility of a phishing attack can make the scam more effective. Often, these attacks mimic the appearance of well-known brands you trust, such as Amazon, your bank, or FedEx. Boosting your security awareness can help you recognize and avoid these seemingly legitimate phishing attempts.
4. Beware of urgency
Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action. If an email pressures you to act immediately, it should raise a red flag. Genuine sources like banks and credit card companies will never ask you to verify your information via email. If an email claims urgency, avoid clicking any links or attachments. Instead, call the organization directly to verify the message's authenticity. By taking this step, you may realize the email is a scam before you even make the call. Recognizing this urgency tactic can help you avoid falling for these fraudulent schemes.
5. Trust your instincts
This advice might seem broad, but it's the most crucial one. Trusting your instincts and staying informed are essential for maintaining your digital security. Distinguishing between legitimate and phishing websites or genuine and fraudulent emails can be challenging, but ultimately, it’s up to you to make that determination. When faced with something suspicious, ask yourself: is this what you expected? Do you trust the source? Can you verify its authenticity? For instance, you can search online or contact the sender directly. If you’re unsure, it’s better to play it safe.
What to do if you suspect a phishing attack
If you think you’ve received a phishing email or text message, take the following steps to protect yourself:
Don’t respond: avoid replying to the message or engaging with the scammer. Don’t click on any links or open any attachments.
Verify the sender: contact the company or organization directly using a known and legitimate phone number or email address. Avoid using any contact information provided in the suspicious message.
Report the attempt: notify relevant authorities about the phishing attempt. This may include the Anti-Phishing Working Group, regional fraud centers such as the Federal Trade Commission in the US or the National Cyber Security Centre in the UK, your email provider, and the organization being impersonated (e.g. your bank). Reporting helps in tracking and combating phishing scams.
Delete the message: remove the phishing message and any associated attachments or links from your device to prevent accidental clicks and further exposure.
Update your security software: ensure your security software is up to date and run a scan to detect any malware. Keeping your software updated helps guard against the latest threats.