'Phishing' is a technique used by internet fraudsters who try
to steal web users’ identity or personal information which includes passwords,
bank details, etc. through fraudulent emails with links to fake or compromised
websites. Below are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid falling a victim to
phishing scams.
The scammers' aim is to fraudulently collect data by
contacting users, pretending that there's some kind of problem or that one of
their bank or other accounts is about to expire. This often involves emails
inviting web users to fill out a form, tricking them into handing over
confidential information to crooks.
The most common scams involve emails that use the graphics and logos of well-known, legitimate websites or businesses, containing a link that sends users to a fake website, reproduced convincingly and almost identically.
Security specialists such as Ivanti frequently warn both home and business users about the dangers of phishing. Users should always be vigilant when opening suspicious emails.
For example, bear in mind that legal and official information is always sent by postal mail, never by email, especially in the case of bank documents. Plus, legitimate sources never ask their subscribers or customers to send information by email or to purposely change their password.
The most common scams involve emails that use the graphics and logos of well-known, legitimate websites or businesses, containing a link that sends users to a fake website, reproduced convincingly and almost identically.
Security specialists such as Ivanti frequently warn both home and business users about the dangers of phishing. Users should always be vigilant when opening suspicious emails.
For example, bear in mind that legal and official information is always sent by postal mail, never by email, especially in the case of bank documents. Plus, legitimate sources never ask their subscribers or customers to send information by email or to purposely change their password.
Watch out for anything suspicious in emails, such as the over-use of punctuation, lots of spelling errors or typos, or strange logos.
Finally, perhaps the most important thing is to take a close look at the email address and the sender to assess their authenticity. Also, hover over hypertext links with the mouse cursor to inspect them fully before clicking on anything. This can be very revealing and is a good way of evaluating risk.
If you're still unsure, don't click on any links and don't hesitate to contact the establishment in question to find out if they genuinely sent you the email. Above all, keep your wits about you, especially with emails promising something that sounds too good to be true.
(Credit: AFP Relaxnews, gadgetsnow.com, and edited by Increase Chisom)
ALSO READ:
No comments:
Post a Comment