How to Protect Yourself From Phishing Emails and Session Hijacking
Using phishing techniques, attackers are able to impersonate a legitimate company and gain access to private information. This is done by sending an email that appears to be from the company, but actually contains a malware laden attachment or link.
Phishing emails may ask for personal information such as account passwords, credit card information, or other sensitive data. They may also ask you to click on a link or attachment. These links lead to a spoofed web page, which may ask you to enter your login information.
Besides sending an email, attackers also use social media to gain access to personal information. This information may be used for identity theft.
When a phishing attack is detected, the victim should contact the company directly to verify that the email is legitimate. They can also check the company’s website for announcements about phishing attempts.
If an attack appears to be fraudulent, the victim should report the incident to the FTC. The FTC website offers information on how to protect your credit score and identity. They also provide an online tool to monitor your credit report.
Another technique of phishing attacks is known as “session hijacking”. This method involves exploiting the computer’s session cookies. Attackers can then use the information they gain to steal identities or pilfer bank accounts.
These scams are often used during the holiday shopping season. Scammers ask you to send money to a specific bank account. They may also threaten you with a fine if you don’t transfer the money within a set time frame.