BotNet News

Phishing is one of the biggest cyber threats in existence, and attacks are on the rise. Attackers seek personal information and credentials in phishing emails, which they then use for financial gain or to download malware onto user devices.

Attackers are always looking for ways to improve phishing methods and trick more victims into revealing personal information or credentials. The first step is to identify potential targets. This includes researching and mapping out their systems, networks and email accounts (attack planning phase). Attackers also look for any vulnerabilities they can exploit such as buffer overflows and zero-day software vulnerabilities.

The attackers then create their phishing email and target users (attack execution phase). They want to make the message as realistic as possible. This is why many phishing emails have a sense of urgency, such as claiming you’re owed money or that your account has been compromised. This heightened pressure makes it easier for people to take a risk without thinking about consequences.

It’s important to recognize red flags in phishing emails, such as non-personalized messages or generic greetings. Legitimate organizations usually contact their customers by name, so if an email doesn’t start with “Dear [customer name]” it’s likely a phishing attempt. Also, be wary of any links that open in a new browser window. Instead, hover over the link to see where it’s taking you before clicking.

If you suspect a message is a phishing attempt, don’t click on any links or attachments and report it to the organization via their help desk or website. You can also install an endpoint protection solution that scans your device and blocks phishing attempts, including malware.