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In a spectacular example of CEO fraud, a savvy phisher compromised the account of a high-level executive in a Belgian bank. (In case you’re tempted to buy your own phishing kit right now, the thief, Evaldas Rimasauskas, was caught and imprisoned).ĬEOs aren’t immune to hackers either.

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From 2013 to 2015, Facebook and Google were tricked out of over $100 million by paying a series of fake invoices. If you’re still asking yourself “What kind of idiot gets phished?”, the answer is anyone, from your gullible granny to a tech-savvy millennial. Have you been ‘phished’? You’re in good company Smart cybercriminals can also hack legitimate websites and include a fake login page or pop-up that directs you to a fake website. COVID-19 vaccine scam sites are popular, asking for personal information and payouts. Do your homework: Check to see who registered the domain name/URL on sites like. Instead of FBI.gov, a spoof site might use FBI.com, or have a minor spelling error. You’ll also have given the app free rein in your own system, where it will merrily churn out phishing emails from your account.Ĥ) Fake websites: Good ‘phishermen’ are crafty when it comes to creating fake URLs. When you click on the link (please don’t), you’ll end up on a fake Gmail login page where thieves are waiting to intercept your login details. To spot the scam, hover over the link and voila… it will reveal the true destination.ģ) The Google docs worm: This nasty little app sends emails that appear to come from friends. There are no spelling errors, and the link seems to direct you to a safe ‘https’ page.

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So that email from Lucy in HR, asking you to download the employee handbook, won’t really come from within your organisation.Ģ) The upgrade scam: You’re notified that your account has expired, and you need to take immediate action. Savvier criminals will engage in highly targeted spear phishing. Never be fooled by a logo! Does the domain name (the bit after the symbol) match the sender of the email? E.g.: a legitimate email from PayPal will end in To compare, see the fake below.

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Top tip: Check for any spelling/grammar issues, plus the full email address of the sender.

You’re pressured into opening an attachment or clicking on a link to submit a payment you don’t owe or to check unknown activity in your account. We’ve outlined common examples here:ġ) The payment/warning: Probably the most popular template because it relies on fear and urgency. Be savvy and read on for a healthy dose of both.Īre you the catch of the day for phishing attempts?įrom ‘fishy’ WhatsApp and emails to websites and text messages, phishing has many disguises, and it can be difficult to spot the real deal. Your last line of defense? You, and your ability to spot a fake. While technology can mitigate the risk of phishing and help block spam and malware, some malicious emails will make their way into your inbox. For tailor-made support, the discerning cybercriminal turns to phishing-as-a service, where sophisticated hackers build everything for you.Ī trusted antivirus is an essential first line of defense (Note: Avira Free Antivirus comes with protection from phishing built in). No hacking skills required! Phishing kits, including convincing copies of big-brand websites, can even be bought on the dark web.

Imagine the job ad: Easy money! Keep your own hours. Plus, phishing requires no complex computer skills on behalf of the attacker. We’re still unwitting accomplices in the threats against us. A lack of cybersecurity awareness among users is the reason behind the trend. Who will be a step ahead? In 2020, phishing emails were a leading point of entry for ransomware and made up over half of all digital vulnerabilities. It’s an eternal race between online security experts and cybercriminals. Sadly, phishing is on the rise, and like all cyberthreats, is becoming more sophisticated. Once it’s in the hands of cybercriminals, they can happily use this information to steal your identity, access your online accounts-and even apply for a credit card in your name! Don’t sponsor their online shopping sprees. ‘Phishing’ uses deceit, including fake emails, websites, or pop-ups, to trick you into handing over key information, such as your date of birth, address, passwords, or banking details. Yet what exactly is ‘phishing’, why has it become a firm a favorite among fraudsters and how can we help thwart their attacks? Welcome to the murky world of ‘phishing’, where thieves can lure you in with carefully baited online hooks. Too many of us are unwittingly handing over these virtual keys.

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Today’s (cyber)criminals often need no more than a password to access your digital life and wreak havoc.