18/07/2021
In light of the increasing number of phishing attempts that have been going around, I wanted to share over some tips to help keep your account secure.
“Phishing” scams are a very popular tactic hackers use to trick users into thinking they received an email or text (SMiShing = SMS phishing) from a reputable company. They will use logos, fake but realistic-looking email addresses and contacts, and other tactics to trick you into clicking a malicious link that could compromise your security.
Other iterations:
· “Spear-phishing” is a more sophisticated phishing attack that includes customized information that makes the attacker seem like a legitimate source. They may use your name and phone number and refer to the company name in the e-mail to trick you into thinking they have a connection to you, making you more likely to click a link or attachment that they provide.
· “Whaling” is a popular ploy aimed at getting you to transfer money or send sensitive information to an attacker via email by impersonating a real company executive. Using a fake domain that appears similar to ours, they look like normal emails from a high-level official of the company, typically the CEO or CFO, and ask you for sensitive information (including usernames and passwords). •
Do not click links from emails that you weren’t expecting, raise any sort of suspicion or from contacts not already in your contact list. However over the link to see the URL and even if it still looks normal, type the domain into your browser using https.
How to avoid these attacks:
· Don’t click the link
· Be skeptical and ask a follow-up question for clarification
· Be careful about the info you share on social media, oversharing can be used to target you.
· Keep software up to date
· Make sure any password should be strong
If you have received a similar email, please take the following steps :
· Do not click on links in suspicious emails.
· Do not reply or forward suspicious emails.
· Report phishing emails by clicking the "Report Phishing" button.
Steps for reporting a phishing email on Google email
On a computer, go to Gmail. à Open the message.--> Next to Reply , ---> click More .--> Click Report Phishing.
Note: If you're using classic Gmail, click the Down arrow .
This will help Gmail warn others that the email is a scam if the sender uses Gmail - also use the following form: http://mail.google.com/support/bin/request.py?contact_type=abuse_phishing .
Stay safe
