Phishing: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

(Posted on Thursday, October 3, 2024)

Phishing is one of the most common ways hackers steal personal information and do not be fooled everyone is vulnerable to a phishing attack.

Phishing can happen when a scammer pretends to be a trusted source, like your bank or a social media platform, to trick you into giving up sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers.

Phishing attacks often come through email, texts, or even phone calls, and are designed to make you panic or act quickly. Unfortunately, if you fall for one, the consequences can be severe—identity theft, drained bank accounts, or locked accounts.

Phishing attacks are evolving, but so are the tools that can help block them and protect your data. Understanding how phishing works and using available defenses is key to your defense strategy.

Lets Look at 3 Common Examples of Phishing Attacks:

  1. You receive an email claiming to be from your bank, telling you that there has been suspicious activity on your account. The email asks you to click a link and verify your account details. However, the link takes you to a fake site designed to harvest your login information.
  2. A scammer sends you a message on social media saying your account is compromised. They provide a link for you to “reset your password.” Clicking that link may give them access to your account, letting them post or message your contacts using your identity.
  3. You receive a text claiming that a package you didn’t expect is ready for delivery but requires payment confirmation. When you click the link, it asks for your payment details, which go straight to the scammers instead.

Tools to Help Block Phishing Attacks:

You can lower your risk of falling victim to phishing by using security tools designed to block these types of attacks before they reach you.

  1. Services like SpamTitan or Proofpoint can filter out suspicious emails before they reach your inbox. These tools detect phishing attempts by scanning emails for red flags, such as unfamiliar senders, fake links, or malicious attachments. Gmail and Outlook also have built-in spam filters that you should keep activated to block potentially harmful emails.
  2. Extensions like Netcraft or Avira Browser Safety can detect phishing attempts while you browse the web. These tools warn you when you’re about to visit a suspicious site and block known phishing websites.
  3. Password managers like LastPass, 1Password, or Dashlane help you avoid entering your credentials on fake sites. These tools store and autofill your passwords only on legitimate sites, so if a phishing site asks for your login details, the manager won’t autofill it—alerting you that something might be wrong.

How MFA/2FA Tools Like Google Authenticator Can Help:

Even with these protections in place, no system is foolproof. That’s why two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself if your login details are compromised. Here’s how it works:

  1. Google Authenticator adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by generating a unique code on your phone that changes every 30 seconds. Even if a hacker steals your password, they can’t log in without this code. This tool is easy to set up on your accounts and is widely supported across email services, banking apps, and social media platforms.
  2. Another great 2FA option is Authy, which works similarly to Google Authenticator but allows you to sync 2FA tokens across multiple devices. This makes it easier to restore your accounts if you lose your phone.
  3. If you want to take things further, consider using a physical security key like YubiKey or Google Titan. These keys provide the most robust form of two-factor authentication by requiring you to physically insert the key into your device or tap it on your phone to log in. This ensures that even if a hacker has your password, they still won’t be able to access your accounts.

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Phishing:

If you think you’ve fallen for a phishing scam, don’t panic—but act fast.

Here’s what you should do:

  1. If you clicked a phishing link and entered your login information, update your passwords immediately. Make sure to choose a strong, unique password, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add another layer of security. Password managers like LastPass and 1Password can help you create and store these passwords.
  2. Review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you recognize suspicious activity, contact your bank or credit card company to freeze or close the affected accounts.
  3. Report the phishing attack to your email provider, social media platform, or financial institution so they can take action. You can also report phishing scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov.
  4. Keep a close eye on your credit report for signs of identity theft, such as unfamiliar accounts or loans in your name. You can use services like Credit Karma or Experian to monitor your credit score and receive alerts.
  5. If you require additional assistance and guidance from a trained restoration specialist to navigate the attack and explore your options The Identity Theft Resource Center is an excellent resource. https://www.idtheftcenter.org/

Phishing attacks can happen to anyone, however, by knowing the warning signs and using the right tools, you can significantly reduce your risk. Always be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or messages asking for personal information.

Email filters, anti-phishing browser extensions, and two-factor authentication tools like Google Authenticator or Authy to protect yourself.

If you ever suspect you’ve been phished, act quickly to update your passwords, report the scam, and monitor your accounts. Taking proactive steps now can save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Stay alert and take control of your online security before hackers do.

Stay Safe,

Chris

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