BotNet News

Phishing is an attack that relies on the human element — and it can affect anyone. Cybercriminals use phishing to trick you into giving them your sensitive information, such as passwords, bank account numbers, and social security numbers. They then use that data to access your accounts, steal personal information, and cause financial loss.

The most common phishing attacks involve emails and Teams messages that demand urgent action, such as clicking a link or calling a number to “claim your reward” or avoid account suspension. These communications can also include a sense of fear, often in the form of an impending deadline or threat. This is designed to override your critical thinking and prompt you to act quickly without thinking.

Look for a lack of professionalism in the message, including misspellings and grammatical errors. Legitimate companies and organizations employ editorial and writing staff to ensure their content is accurate and professional. Also, be cautious of generic greetings — an organization that works with you should know your name and be able to personalize messages.

Other warning signs of a phishing attempt include a link or attachment that appears suspicious and does not lead to a website that uses HTTPS, which is an indicator that the site is secure. You can check that an online destination is a legitimate site by hovering over the address bar. If you believe you have clicked a link or visited a phishing site, change the passwords for your accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). You can report the phishing to help protect yourself and others.