360 TECH Talk: Phishing Scams

Cyber Phishing Scams: How to Protect Yourself in 2023

Phishing is a type of cyber crime that has become increasingly common in recent years. Scammers use fraudulent emails or messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware onto their devices. This can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and other types of cyber crime.

Executive Summary:

To help people avoid falling victim to phishing scams, various organizations, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Microsoft, offer advice and cybersecurity tips on how to recognize and avoid these types of attacks:

• Double-check the sender: Before clicking on any links or responding to any messages, verify that the sender is legitimate. Look for signs of phishing, such as misspellings or suspicious domain names.

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments: If a message contains a link, hover over it with your mouse to see where it leads. If it looks suspicious, don't click on it.

• Keep your software up to date: Phishing attacks often exploit vulnerabilities in software or operating systems. By keeping your software up to date with the latest security patches, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

• Use two-factor authentication: Many online services now offer two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. This can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information.

• Use a malicious link filter software: This prevents users from accidentally clicking on harmful links that could compromise their data or infect their systems with malware. Our partner, SlashNext, has many options and is leading the charge within the industry.

The Top Phishing Scams of 2023

According to Experian, the top scams of 2023 include various types of phishing attacks. These attacks use a variety of methods, including fake emails, text messages, or social media posts, to trick people into revealing their personal information or giving money to scammers.

One of the most common types of phishing scams is called spear-phishing, which targets specific individuals or organizations. Spear-phishing attacks use personal information or social engineering tactics to make the emails or messages appear legitimate, and they often contain links to fake websites that look like real ones.

Another type of phishing scam is known as "vishing," which uses voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology to make phone calls that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or government agencies. These calls often ask for personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking information, and can be very convincing.

Microsoft also provides insights on phishing attacks. According to Microsoft, phishing emails can be very convincing, and they may include a sense of urgency to prompt the victim to take immediate action. In some cases, attackers may even spoof the sender's email address to make it look like it is coming from a trusted source.

How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

To avoid becoming a victim of phishing scams, it's important to know how to recognize them. The FTC advises people to be wary of any unsolicited messages that ask for personal information or money, especially if they come from unknown sources. Other signs of a phishing scam include messages that contain spelling or grammatical errors, urgent or threatening language, or requests for immediate action.

Phishing scams are a serious threat to individuals and businesses alike. By staying vigilant and following the advice of experts, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these types of attacks. Always be wary of unsolicited messages that ask for personal information or money and take steps to protect your online accounts and devices. With the right precautions, you can stay safe and secure in an increasingly digital world.

Please reach out to info@360privacy.io if you would like more information on how we protect you from phishing attacks with digital executive protection.