Phishing is one of the most common cyber security threats. In a phishing attack, an attacker will try to trick people into sharing sensitive information or personal data with them. This data is then used to commit identity theft, fraud, or even corporate espionage.
There is a plethora of online threats that could be hidden in the most inconspicuous links and emails. One wrong click and you can easily put yourself or your business at risk. In this blog we’ll show you how to recognize and prevent phishing attacks, and provide more detail on how to defend your personal information while online.
The Importance of Recognizing Common Cyber Threats
Cyber threats are evolving every day, to the point where internet security software sometimes struggles to keep up with them. Phishing attacks in particular are on the rise, but despite this fact 1 in 5 organizations provide phishing awareness training to their staff only once a year.
If you don’t have comprehensive cyber security software, it’s entirely up to you to be able to recognize and intercept any cyber threats that come your way. If you’re not up to speed on what to look out for, there’s a high chance of being deceived.
A Closer Look At Phishing
What is a phishing attack’s goal? Usually, to convince an unsuspecting target to reveal information that can benefit the scammer. Phishing attacks are a particularly insidious form of cyber attack, as they rely on manipulation and deception. A classic example of a phishing attack would be a message from someone posing as a colleague, asking them to send you sensitive personal or business information. They might request your phone number for a quick talk, or your login details so they can check suspicious activity on your work account. You have to appreciate the irony.
It’s important not to interact with phishing attacks, as any links included in the message may contain a virus or ransomware. Instead, immediately block and report the email or number.
Signs that a message may be a phishing scam
There are some key things you can look out for in your messages and emails to help you identify what is phishing and what is genuine. Attempts at phishing will often include:
- Poor grammar and spelling.
- An unfamiliar email address – or an email address which is a not-quite-right replica of one you’re familiar with.
- Receiving a message at an odd time of day, or from someone you don’t usually correspond that way with.
- Someone asking for personal information that they should either already have, or would never need.
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape
There are lots of things you can do to protect yourself and your personal information while using the internet. Here are some tips on how to navigate the current cyber security landscape.
- Educate yourself – knowledge is power, and staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats can make it easier for you to be vigilant.
- Change your passwords regularly – this is standard best practice for keeping your private information secure. If you find remembering complex, secure passwords difficult then you can use a password manager.
- Be cautious – practice caution when using the internet, and always think twice about who you share your information with.
- Keep software updated – missing software updates can leave your devices vulnerable to attack, as they won’t be running on the latest, most secure versions.
- Use internet security software – delegate the responsibility of looking out for online threats to a program that can easily identify and remove them.
- Don’t use public Wi-Fi – at least, not without protection in place, as public Wi-Fi networks are the perfect way for criminals to intercept your data.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – this is particularly important in professional settings, as data breaches at work can impact large numbers of people.
Proactive Protection with iolo Technologies
Our security solutions are great examples of reputable, high-tech security software designed to improve your PC’s protection and performance. We believe in preventing threats from slipping through the net in the first place, and intercepting them before any damage can be done.
Our System Mechanic software has garnered a lot of attention, and we’re committed to keeping this high standard. Cyber attacks can be devastating if allowed to penetrate your PC’s defenses, and can wreak havoc on people’s lives through fraud, theft, and data loss. Our products have been designed to be the ultimate shield against this kind of cyber crime.
Empowering Users through Education
As well as our products, we have a wide variety of resources and support available for those looking to learn more about cyber security. We know that navigating online threats doesn’t come easily to everyone, which is why we think it’s important to be able to provide as much support as possible, including educational videos that can guide you through how to use our products.
We also pride ourselves on our live technical support, as we know that sometimes it’s easier to talk through a problem with an expert than it is to try and find the solution on your own. Hopefully you now feel able to differentiate between what is phishing or a genuine message from a colleague or friend. Our aim is to arm you with the knowledge you need to avoid any and all online threats in the future.
Protect Your System With Iolo
If you’re interested in seeing how you can protect your PC and other devices, take a look at our products and downloads for more information and a free trial.
