How to Avoid Phishing Attacks
Posted: 22nd June 2024 - Reading Time: 3 minutes
Phishing attacks are a sneaky tactic cyber criminals use to steal your personal information, like passwords, bank details, or credit card numbers. They convince you to think they’re from someone you trust, such as your bank, credit card company, or even a colleague.
Here’s the lowdown on phishing and how to stay safe:
What to Look Out For:
- Phishy Emails: Emails that create a sense of urgency or panic, with bad grammar or spelling mistakes.
- Suspicious Links: Don’t click on links in emails unless you’re certain they’re genuine. Hover over the link to see the real destination website address (often different from what’s displayed).
- Unexpected Attachments: Be wary of opening attachments, especially from unknown senders.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: If an offer seems incredibly generous, it probably is!
Shielding Yourself:
- Check the Sender: Don’t just rely on the sender’s name – look closely at the email address. Does it match the organisation it claims to be from?
- Think Before You Click: Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails unless you’re 100% confident they’re safe. Services like NordVPN Link Checker can help check links.
- Verify Contact: If you’re unsure about an email, contact the organisation directly using a phone number or email address you know is genuine (not the one provided in the email).
- Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where available.
Recent UK Examples:
- NHS Data Breach: In June 2024, a cyber attack on a third-party supplier potentially exposed the data of some NHS patients. Phishing emails targeting NHS staff could be a follow-up attempt to gain access to further information.
- Fake Delivery Notices: Phishing emails pretending to be from delivery companies like DHL or DPD are common. These might claim a missed delivery or require additional payment for customs fees.
Scary Statistics (from UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024):
- Phishing is the most common type of cyberattack, with a whopping 84% of businesses experiencing them in the past year.
- It’s not just businesses at risk! 83% of charities also reported phishing attempts.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can avoid getting hooked on phishing attacks and protect your valuable information. Remember, if something seems suspicious, it probably is!
Reporting Phishing:
- Forward the Email: Most email providers have a way to report phishing attempts. You can usually forward the suspicious email to a specific phishing email address.
- Report to Phishing Websites: You can report phishing websites to the National Cyber Security Centre.
- Report to Action Fraud: If you believe you have handed over information due to a phishing email which has occurred, contact Action Fraud.
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