Phishing attacks are on the rise, and they’re getting smarter. The bad news is that even the savviest of us can fall victim to them, and detecting them is also becoming increasingly challenging.
But there’s good news too! You can protect yourself from these attacks by learning how to spot them, using some simple security measures, and knowing where to go for help if something does happen.
The purpose of this guide is to give you practical advice on how to protect yourself from modern phishing scams that target businesses and individuals worldwide.
Here is how you can protect yourself against smart phishing attacks in 2021.
Read: How To Avoid Crypto Scams
1. Install Antivirus, AdBlocker and Update Your Software
The first step toward preventing modern phishing attacks is to make sure you have a top-notch antivirus tool. As many types of malware could infect a new phone or computer, you should do it as soon as possible.
Block Popups with AdBlocker Add-ons
It is essential to update ad blockers regularly as well since they block annoying pop-ups on websites that may be phishing scams.
Update Software and Apps Regularly to Protect Against Bugs
And finally, all software should always be updated to the latest version. Having this in place will prevent your system from being hacked through bugs or loopholes.
2. Beware of Suspicious Emails
Suspicious emails are the primary cause of phishing attacks. Always avoid clicking on links and attachments in suspicious emails.
Check the sender’s email address carefully, and don’t click on suspicious-looking links.
Malicious hackers will try everything they can think of to get access to your system, so better safe than sorry.
3. Analyze URLs Carefully and Be Smart
Bad hackers create websites that look very similar to the original website, so check for any minor mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes hackers make is that they always leave traces of their activity.
It is always a good idea to double-check the URL of the website. Look at the URL carefully for typos. Ensure to spot any misspellings or incorrect letters and numbers and check for SSL certificates that encrypt your connection.
Finally, double-check the site’s SSL certificate with a trusted source.
4. Ads Can Be Dangerous
Today’s phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and many of them use Google Ads to do their dirty work. That is why clicking on ads is never a good idea when you are using a communication network of your company.
Before clicking the ad, Google the company to see if it exists in the real world. Ensure the authenticity of a business website by checking reviews about it.
5. Multi-Factor Authentication Is Necessary
Multi-factor authentication means that to get access, hackers will need more than just your username and password. It can be done, for example, by using an OTP code sent via SMS or email, which then needs to be entered when logging into the system.
As a result, hackers have a harder time gaining access.
That is why Multi-factor authentication should always be used whenever possible.
John Miller from Compliance24: Phishing gurus make you believe they are helping you solve an urgent problem and you need to act immediately. Therefore, the most important thing is not to rush to respond to a message or provide your personal data but to check who you are dealing with.
Final Words
With the increased use of phishing scams, it is important to protect your data. Follow these guidelines, and you will be a step ahead in protecting yourself from cybercriminals who want access to your information.
