One of the biggest risks of a Cyber Attack is by email. Why email? It’s one of the easiest ways of gaining access to your system, data, Outlook compromise and stealing your credentials. The attacker sends you an email to trick and scam you.
This is called phishing. An oldie but a goodie. For the bad guys.
Let’s Define the types of phishing:
- Email Phishing
Attackers send emails that appear to come from trusted sources, such as banks or online services. These emails often ask you to click a link or download an attachment. Be cautious of any email claiming to be urgent or asking for your personal information or payment details. - Spear Phishing
This is a more targeted attack. Scammers gather details about specific individuals, often from data breaches or social media, to create personalized and convincing messages. - Vishing
Also known as voice phishing, this involves attackers calling you, pretending to be someone you know or from a trusted organization, in an attempt to extract information or money. Never share personal information over the phone unless you’re sure of the caller’s identity. - Smishing
Smishing is phishing via text message. Attackers try to trick users into clicking a malicious link or revealing personal information by pretending to be from a business or sending random “wrong number” messages.
How to Protect Yourself:
Use the SLAM method:
- S – Verify the Sender’s email address.
- L – Look for Links in the email. Hover over them to see where they lead before clicking.
- A – Be wary of Attachments. If something looks off, don’t hesitate to call the sender to confirm.
- M – Read the Message carefully and use common sense. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts.
Remember, the bad guys are ruthless criminals. They are out for the money and not your well-being.
Eric Gulbrandsen
Northstar Network Group
eg@northstarnet.com