Angler Phishing
What is it and how can we defend against it
Angler Phishing is a type of social media-based phishing attack where cybercriminals impersonate customer service accounts or trusted brands to deceive users into giving up sensitive information.
Here's how it works:
- Impersonation: Attackers create fake social media profiles that closely resemble legitimate customer support accounts (e.g., banks, airlines, tech companies).
- Targeting Complaints: They monitor posts or comments from users who are complaining or asking for help.
- Engagement: The fake account replies to the user, offering to help and providing a link to a phishing site or asking for personal information via direct message.
- Exploitation: Once the user clicks the link or shares their data, attackers may steal login credentials, financial information, or install malware.
How to Spot and Avoid Angler Phishing:
- Check the account handle: Fake accounts often have slight misspellings or extra characters.
- Look for verification badges: Legitimate companies usually have a blue checkmark.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links: Especially if they redirect to unfamiliar domains.
- Contact companies directly: Use official websites or known phone numbers instead of responding to social media messages.