What Is a Phishing Attack?

Phishing is a common form of cyber attack. It is in your best interest to get familiar with receiving emails, text messages, and even calls from unknown persons claiming to be staff from the bank. They go as far as telling you vital things about yourself to make you believe them.

The goal is to collect sensitive information from you which will give them ultimate access to your bank account. If you fall prey to this cheap scheme, you will just be another victim of a phishing attack. In this article, we will take a look at phishing and its various forms, and most importantly how to avoid being another victim of cyber criminals.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a form of cyber attack where fraudulent messages are sent to the target audience by hackers claiming to be a trusted entity or a reliable source. The goal is to manipulate the victim and trick the person into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or credit card pins. It is based on the word fishing, which works on the concept of baits. If the supposed victim catches the bait, then the attack is successful.

Phishing attacks can be in the form of text messages and emails asking a user to verify his account or change his password. Once the user clicks the link attached to the message, he will be directed to a fake website designed by the hacker. Interacting with the site gives the hacker the information he needs to access your account.

How It Works

Phishing starts with fraudulent emails or text messages. Fake links are always attached to such messages. If the victim goes ahead to interact with these links, the information is immediately sent to the hacker who designed the website. These websites are made to look as authentic as possible.

In some cases, the victim’s devices are targeted, and malware is installed. Interacting with these links can expose the device to Ransomware attacks. Ransomware is simply malicious software that manipulates the victim into paying a specified amount of money before getting back full access to their device.

Types of Phishing Attacks

The major types of phishing attacks are:

• Deceptive Phishing: In this case, a hacker can send a message to a large number of people without any particular person in mind while hoping that some will fall prey to it.

• Spear Phishing: This can also be known as customized phishing. In this case, a particular group of people is targeted. It can be a group of people using a particular cryptocurrency exchange or a service. They might receive an email from a hacker posing as a staff member from the exchange asking them to change their password to avoid losing their funds.

• Pharming: Hackers use a fake website that resembles the original one. They can use domain names like www.facebok.com and www.youtube.com. A closer look at these links will tell you they are fake.

• Whaling: This is more specific than spear phishing. The targets are mostly CEOs of big companies. Such emails are professionally crafted with a solid understanding and business tone. It is hard to detect since the company might have many partners. Hackers trick the victim into releasing sensitive information or even downloading a malicious attachment.

How to Protect Yourself From Phishing Attacks

The damages caused by a phishing attack can be extreme hence the need to always be on the safe side.

The following guidelines should be adhered to:

• Always check the authenticity of any link you receive before interacting with it;
• Avoid entering sensitive information on random websites and pop-up windows;
• Suspicious messages should not be entertained;
• Avoid downloading any random attachments you receive;
• It is advisable to use a secured anti-phishing browser extension, for example, Cloudphish.

Conclusion

Hackers are always on the alert, looking for the best means to manipulate and get hold of their victims’ information. Numerous techniques used by these scammers have been unveiled, so it is your responsibility to ensure you do not fall prey to these cheap schemes. Do not be in a haste to open any link you receive. Also, if something looks too good to be true, avoid it. Imagine receiving an email stating you won a $10,000 lottery. A mere look at it will tell you it is fake. Always be on the alert, because a single mistake can result in a considerable loss.