What Do To Avoid Phishing Email, SMS Scams

One of the most common ways cybercriminals access personal information, banking details of their victims through unsolicited emails and messages is through phishing scams. 

Despite its notoriety, several individuals including IT experts still fall victim to these scams owing to their hard-to-detect nature.

In their typical phishing operations, cybercriminals pose as authentic websites to deceive victims into revealing sensitive personal information or installing malware such as ransomware, thereby accessing sensitive data.

According to Microsoft, phishing is an attack that attempts to steal your money or identity, by manipulating you to reveal personal information such as bank information, credit card numbers, or passwords on websites that pretend to be legitimate.

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Phishing Emails and SMS Scams

To avoid falling victim to phishing emails and SMS scams, it's essential to be vigilant and follow some best practices.

Here are some important steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Be cautious with email and SMS messages: Exercise caution when receiving emails or SMS messages, especially those from unfamiliar senders. Be skeptical of unexpected emails or messages requesting personal information, login credentials, or financial details.
• Verify the source: Double-check the email address or phone number of the sender. Phishers often use deceptive tactics, such as using a familiar name but altering the email address or using a number that resembles a legitimate sender. If you have any doubts, independently verify the source through official channels.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors: Many phishing attempts contain spelling or grammar mistakes. Legitimate organizations usually have proper proofreading processes in place, so poor language quality can be a red flag.
• Be cautious with links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or SMS messages. Hover your mouse over a link to see the actual URL it leads to. Be particularly cautious if the link looks different from what you would expect or if it redirects you to an unusual website.
• Don't share sensitive information: Legitimate organizations typically won't ask for sensitive information like passwords, social security numbers, or credit card details via email or SMS. Avoid sharing such information unless you are certain about the legitimacy of the request and are using a secure and encrypted connection.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA): Enable MFA wherever possible. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification, such as a unique code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
• Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and security software. Updates often include security patches that help protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or entering personal information when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi can be insecure, making it easier for attackers to intercept your data.
• Use strong, unique passwords: Create strong passwords for your online accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Consider using a reliable password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and scams. Educate yourself and others about the common signs of phishing attempts, so you can recognize and avoid them.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing emails and SMS scams.

Remember, maintaining a healthy skepticism and verifying information independently are crucial to protecting your personal and financial information.