How to Protect Yourself Against Phishing Scams?

Prevention against phishing has become essential as cybercrimes advance at the same pace as technology. Over the years, understanding phishing attacks has helped people dodge spam emails, but phishing attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, trapping people into highly credible-looking information. Phishing is harder than most people think. So, look out for the following red flags to identify and avoid phishing.

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How to Recognize Phishing

We have learned that hackers use text messages or emails to gain access to your personal information. Scammers steal your account numbers, passwords, and social security numbers with phishing attacks. After getting your personal information, they access your bank, email, and other personal accounts. Every day, thousands of people are exposed to successful phishing attacks. Although scammers continue to develop unique tactics, some common signs can help you identify a phishing text or email. For example, phishing emails and texts masquerade as trusted sources. You may receive an email from a bank, social media site, credit card company, or an online store where you once placed an order. A phishing email or text may include the following:

• Alert that some suspicious log-in attempts or activity has been noticed on your account.
• Claim your personal information or account details are incorrect.
• Forward a confirmation link for your personal information from an e-commerce store.
• Send a fake invoice with a link to confirm the order.
• Offer discount coupons.
• Provide you with a refund or a registration link for discount offers.

How to Prevent Phishing Attacks

Spam filters in your email may protect you from phishing attacks, but they are not enough. Sophisticated methods of phishing can outsmart spam filters and breach your privacy. Using extra layers of protection is essential to protect your data from phishing attacks.

1. Use a Security Software

Effective security software can prevent you from several security threats. Setup advanced Chrome extensions to alert you about possible security threats when accessing websites or downloading files.

2. Update Software

Outdated software is the most common target of malicious attacks and phishing. Keep your system updated for maximum protection. Windows products are often targets of phishing and other malicious attacks, so be sure you're secure and up-to-date. This is especially important for those still running anything older than Windows 10.

3. Multi-Factor Authentication

Use multi-factor authentication to secure your account. Additional credentials required to access your account include:

• Security key or passcode
• Facial recognition or fingerprint

Multi-factor authentication prevents scammers from logging into your account through passwords or usernames alone.

4. Back Your Data

Make sure your data is backed and not to your home connection. Copy your files to cloud storage or an external hard drive to prevent them from being lost or altered due to phishing attacks. Other efforts to prevent phishing include:

• Avoid opening suspicious-looking emails.

-Never respond to emails or click on any links that require your personal information.

• Contact customer service if you receive a strange email from an authentic name.
• Search the web for word hoax to identify a scam or spam email.

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