BAIT AND HOOK ON THE INTERNET [PHISHING].

FISHING ON THE WATERS OF THE INTERNET .

On this article you will learn actionable steps you can take to protect yourself from falling for bait we call phishing attacks .

PHISHING

Be Skeptical of Unexpected Emails :If you receive an unexpected email, especially from an unknown sender, be cautious. Check for signs of phishing, such as misspellings, generic greetings, or suspicious email addresses.

Verify Email Addresses :Before clicking on any links or providing information, verify the sender's email address. Phishers often use email addresses that may look similar to legitimate ones but contain slight variations.

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links :Hover over links in emails to see the actual URL before clicking. Be wary of shortened URLs, and if in doubt, don't click. Instead, manually type the known website address into your browser.

Check for Secure Websites :Legitimate websites use HTTPS to encrypt data. Before entering sensitive information, ensure the website's URL starts with "https://" and look for the padlock icon in the address bar.

Keep Software Updated :Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software, and browsers. Updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring both a password and a secondary form of verification.

Educate Yourself and Your Team :Stay informed about common phishing techniques and educate your team or colleagues. Training programs can help individuals recognize and avoid falling victim to phishing attacks.

Use Email Filtering Services :Employ email filtering services that can detect and filter out potential phishing emails before they reach your inbox.

Report Suspicious Emails :If you receive a phishing email, report it to your IT department or email provider. Reporting helps improve the security measures in place.