We all must have read and heard "Think before you speak". But today, when almost everyone is on internet, and their privacy is also at stake, so this saying must be manipulated as "Think before you click". Because this is not just the age of development of internet, but the age of Phishing attack as well.
In today's article, we will get to know about the phishing attack, and what we can do to avoid it.
What Is A Phishing Attack?
A phishing attack is a type of social engineering attack in which an attacker impersonates a trusted entity, such as a bank or social media platform, to trick victims into revealing their sensitive information. Phishing attacks can take many forms, such as email, text message or phone call.
Usually, such messages tempt you to do what is being said immediately without thinking. As a result, you click on a link, or download a file that contains a virus. Or it's possible that the link will take you to a fake login page.
These attacks are very much effective and can harm individually or organizational levels. In this article, we will talk about the dangers of phishing attakc and how to avod phishing attacks.
Dangers Associated With Phishing Attack
Victims of such attacks may experience negative consequences in both their personal and professional lives. Personla damages include identity theft, financial loss or reputational damage. Professional losses include data breach, financial loss or brand identity damage.
Phishing attacks are also dangerous because they undermine people's trust, exploit their vulnerabilities, and lead to the theft of sensitive information. Hackers also hack into networks and computers with the help of phishing attacks. In this way, they can steal data, or even use the systems for further attacks.
Moreover, phishing attacks are difficult to be detected. This is because they use social engineering to trick people into clicking on links.
Phishing attacks can also lead to other forms of cybercrime, such as Ransomeware attacks or other malware infections.
Types Of Phishing Attack
You have to be very careful about Phishing attacks. This is because hackers have found new types of phishing attack. We will talk about some of the types of phishing attack here.
1. Email Phishing Attack
In this type of phishing attack, the attacker sends an email. Normally the email looks like it is sent by some legitimate source as from a bank or a social media site. In such emails, you are generally requested to click on a link or download some file.
It is quite possible that the file you downloaded has some kind of virus. As a second possibility, you may be redirected to a page where you're asked to provide your sensitive information when you click the link.
2. Smishing Attack
Smishing attack is similar to email. The only difference is the use of text message instead of email. The attacker may send you a link via SMS, or request you to provide sensitive information.
3. Spear Phishing Attack
In this kind of attack, the hacker targets a specific individual or a group. For this he takes the help of information which is usually obtained from social media platforms. Then using this information he sends an intriguing message to deceive the common people so that they fall into that trap.
4. Whaling Attack
This is an attack that works similar to spear phishing attack. It targets limited number of people. Rather than common people, it targets top government officials who have access to the organization's sensitive data. The aim of this attack is to steal that data, or financial information.
These attacks often use social engineering tactics to:
- divulge officers to disclose confidential information
- Or, try to gain access to the company systems
5. Vishing Attack
This is a type of phishing attack that uses VoIP technology. People are tempted to share their sensitive information using phone calls. In such attacks, the victim is usually intimidated into giving out sensitive information. Sometimes the victim is pressurized in various ways for this purpose. They are instilled with a sense of urgency to the extent that they act quickly.
6. Malware-Based Phishing
In this type of attack, a hacker injects malware into a computer and infects it. With the hlep of that malware, hacker is able to steal the information from the infected computer. Generally, the malware uses a Software to enter a computer.
A link to download this software is sent to vicitm by email or any other means. Clicking on the link downloads software that contains malware.
Overall, the phishing attacks can take several forms. And attackers are constantly evolving their strategies to avoid detection and expose sensitive information to victims.
How To Avoid A Phishing Attack?
To avoid Phishing attack you should take some precautions which are as follows:
- Be wary of any message or email that appears urgent, threatening, or a very good offer.
- To verify the sender of the message or email, check their email address or phone number. Scammers often use email addresses and numbers similar to those of legitimate companies.
- Avoid downloading a file or clicking a link from unknown and suspicious source.
- Beware of any message in which you are asked to provide your personal information. This may include your passwords, credit card or bank accounts information. Legitimate organizations would never ask for such information on message.
- Keep your antivirus software updated to avoid phishing attack.
- Use multi-factor authentication to protect your online accounts. This provides an extra layer of security to your accounts and data.
Final Words About Phishing Attack
Phishing attack is a serious type of attack which is dangerous for individuals as well as companies. There is only one way to avoid this attack, and that is extreme caution. Take precautions and recognize the signs of a phishing attack.
Only precautions can protect you and your company from phishing and other cyber attacks.
Read More:
10 Things You Need To Do To Avoid Hacking Attacks
