Phishing
What is it and how can we defend against it.
Phishing is a type of cyberattack where attackers try to trick people into giving away sensitive information—like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data—by pretending to be a trustworthy entity.
How it works:
Phishing usually happens through email, but it can also occur via text messages (smishing), phone calls (vishing), or fake websites. The attacker often pretends to be someone legitimate, such as:
- A bank or financial institution
- A popular online service (like PayPal, Amazon, or Netflix)
- A coworker or company executive
- A government agency
The message typically contains a sense of urgency (e.g., “Your account will be locked!”) and a link that leads to a fake website designed to look real. Once the victim enters their information, it’s captured by the attacker.
Common signs of phishing:
- Spelling or grammar mistakes
- Suspicious or mismatched email addresses
- Unexpected attachments or links
- Requests for personal or financial information
- Urgent or threatening language
How to protect yourself:
- Don’t click on suspicious links or download unknown attachments.
- Verify the sender by checking the email address carefully.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
- Report phishing attempts to your email provider or IT department.
- Keep software and antivirus tools updated.
Phishing is one of the most common and dangerous forms of cybercrime because it relies on human error rather than technical flaws.
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