How to Avoid Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Phishing is a type of attack that involves sending malicious links in emails or text messages. It is a common way for attackers to steal personal information and to gain access to business systems.
Phishers often use a sense of urgency to make the email or message seem legitimate. They may claim that an account is in danger of being deactivated, that there is a special offer about to expire, or that someone’s identity has been stolen. The sense of urgency is effective because people are more likely to click on the link or provide information under these conditions.
In addition to creating a sense of urgency, attackers also use a variety of other tactics to create the appearance of legitimacy. They might use poor grammar, misspellings, or suspicious URLs. They might even mimic the company or organization they claim to be from. They might also use tools to generate AI voices to sound like the victim’s manager or other authority figure, in order to add an additional layer of trust.
While phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, it is still possible for users to protect themselves by following basic security best practices. For example, if an email or text appears to be from a financial institution and has a suspicious subject line, it is best to delete the message instead of clicking on any links. Additionally, users should not be afraid to ask the alleged sender to confirm any important details over the phone.