10 Tips to Prevent Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are one of the most common forms of identity theft and hacking on the web. Here are a number of ways to prevent this often very serious issue.

  1. You need to know how you can identify suspected phishing emails

There are many features that can help you determine an attack via email:

-They copy the name of an actual employee of the company or the company’s name.

-They duplicate the image of the real company

-Promote gifts, or the loss of an existing account

-Include sites that are visually similar to a real business.

 

  1. Make sure you check the source of information from incoming mail

You have to know that no bank will every ask you to send any personal information or passwords through mail. Avoid responding to the questions and in case you doubt anything, contact your bank directly for any clarification. This is one of the ways how to check for identity theft.

 

  1. Avoid going to your bank’s website by clicking on links included in emails.

Clicking on links or hyperlinks attached in the email will most likely direct you to a fraudulent website. If you want to go faster, just use bookmarks or type in the URL directly into your browser.

 

  1. Enhance the security of your computer

It is very important to use a good antivirus to protect your computer and block any type of attack. Apart from this, you have to always have the most recent update on your web browsers and operating system.

 

  1. Only enter any sensitive data in secure websites

A safe site usually begins with something like https:// and ensure that your browser shows a closed lock icon.

 

  1. Check your accounts periodically

In order to know if there are any irregularities in your online transactions, you have to check your bank accounts on a regular basis.

 

  1. Phishing does not only happen to online banking

Even though most of the phishing accounts are against banks, popular websites can also be used to steal data such as Facebook, eBay, PayPal etc.

 

  1. Phishing has no language barrier. It knows all the languages.

This means that it can reach you in any language. Generally, they are mostly poorly written or translated. This may help you know that something is abnormal.

Ask yourself the question: Why should your statements be in Spanish for example when you never visited the Spanish website of your bank?

 

  1. If you doubt it, no need to risk it

The best way to avoid phishing it to regularly reject any news or email that asks you to provide confidential data. Just delete the emails and call your bank if you have any doubts.

 

  1. Check back frequently to read about the evolution malware

Read our blog or follow us on twitter and Facebook keep up to date with the latest malware attacks, advice, and recommendations to help you avoid any danger online. We will be more than happy to reply to any questions you may have and to help you enjoy your experience online.

 

 

richardhale

Richard Hale is the Founder of Hale Associations, a company that provides Web Development, SEO and Marketing services globally.