Defending Against Phishing

 

Phishing is a scam where attackers pretend to be someone you trust, so always verify unfamiliar messages before clicking on links or sharing personal details. Use multi-step protections, such as checking sender information and keeping your software updated.

 

Practical Tips to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks

 

Phishing attacks often come through emails, messages, or websites designed to trick you into revealing sensitive data like passwords or account numbers. Here are some measures you can take:

• Be cautious with unexpected messages: If an email or text asks for personal or financial information and you did not expect it, verify its authenticity by contacting the sender through a trusted channel.

• Examine sender details and links: Check the email address or phone number for subtle errors and hover over links to preview their actual destination. Look for misspellings or unusual domain names that differ from the official website.

• Keep your devices updated: Regular updates to your operating system, browser, and antivirus software can help block malicious websites and risky downloads.

• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection so that even if your password is compromised, an attacker cannot access your accounts without the additional verification step.

• Educate yourself and others: Learn about common phishing tactics and share these insights with family or coworkers. Regular training can help everyone spot warning signs and avoid risky behaviors.

• Verify secure websites: When making online transactions or entering sensitive data, ensure the website URL begins with "https://" and displays a padlock icon, indicating security.

• Consider a readiness review: In some scenarios, having experts check your security measures can be very beneficial. For example, in our work at OCD Tech, we help organizations assess and improve their defences against phishing and other cyber threats.