What is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals send fraudulent emails that appear to come from legitimate sources. The goal is to trick recipients into sharing personal or financial information that can be used for identity theft or other crimes.
Phishing emails often look very convincing and may seem to come from a real company, bank, government agency, or other trusted entity. But they contain links to fake websites that steal passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers, and more.
Phishing is a serious threat that affects millions of internet users. Learning to recognize and avoid phishing emails is crucial to protecting yourself online.
Common Traits of Phishing Emails
While phishing emails can look authentic, they generally share some common traits that can help you identify them as fraudulent:
Deceptive sender names and email addresses
-
The “From” name may look legitimate, but the email address usually does not match. For example, an email that claims to be from “Acme Bank” but is sent from “service3492@temporary-mail.com”.
-
Hover over links to reveal the actual destination URL, which is often completely unrelated to the business or agency named.
Generic greetings
- Phishing emails often start with generic greetings like “Dear user” or “Hello” instead of your name. Legitimate companies generally address you directly.
Spoofed branding
- The email may closely mimic the logo, graphic design, and text of a real organization. But small details are often incorrect.
Suspicious attachments
- Be wary of opening any attachments from an unsolicited email, as they may contain malware. Legitimate companies don’t send emails with surprise attachments.
Sense of urgency
- Phishing emails try to instill fear or panic by saying your account will be shut down or you’ll face legal action if you don’t act immediately. Slow down and investigate any supposed “emergencies.”
Spelling and grammatical errors
- Sloppy writing with misspellings and bad grammar is a red flag. Real companies proofread their communications.
Requests for sensitive information
- No legitimate company will email requesting your password, Social Security number, or other sensitive details. Never share this over email.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Phishing Scams
With vigilance and good security habits, you can avoid being a victim of phishing:
Be skeptical of unsolicited emails
- Don’t click on links or attachments from unexpected emails. Delete any suspicous messages. Only open emails from known contacts.
Verify the sender’s address
- Don’t rely on the “From” name. Check the actual email address by hovering over links, and look for inconsistencies.
Go to websites directly
- If an email prompts you to login to an account, navigate to the website manually rather than clicking links.
Install antivirus and anti-phishing software
- Use security programs that identify and block phishing attempts. Run regular scans to detect malware.
Avoid entering information on unfamiliar sites
- Double check web addresses when submitting any personal or financial details online. Make sure you are on an encrypted, legitimate site.
Check for invalid HTTPS certificates
- Phishing sites often have invalid SSL certificates. Browsers like Chrome will warn you of this red flag for fraudulent sites.
Use multifactor authentication
- Require an extra step like an SMS code or security key when logging in to key accounts. This prevents criminals from accessing accounts with only stolen passwords.
Report phishing to relevant authorities
- Alert companies whose branding is being misused in phishing campaigns. Report phishing emails or fake websites to the Anti-Phishing Working Group.
Protect Yourself with Awareness
Phishing presents serious risks, but armed with knowledge of common techniques, smart online habits, and security tools, you can largely eliminate the threat. Stay vigilant for any unusual emails, verify senders and website addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and trust your intuition when anything seems “phishy.” Being constantly cautious when sharing information online will keep you safe!
