10 Must-Know Tips to Avoid Phishing Attacks

Phishing is basically the act that invades a user’s privacy by stealing personal and confidential information. Passwords, IDs, Codes, etc. are all examples of data that can be misused. These type of hackers have been active since the times of the email. How do the emails scam? Well, a link would be attached in the email. After a user has been forwarded to the next page, it is actually a scam page with no safety. However, since there is an up-rise in social media, these Phishing attacks have increased even more. If you want to prevent this, here are some tips to avoid such attacks.

1. Identify Scammer Websites.
   In order to avoid being scammed and regretting your actions later, it is important to learn identification when it comes to fishy links. For example, some websites that could be dodgy have plagiarized content from reputed companies, duplicated imagery, the name of another company, or could even have some too-good-to-be-true offers and discounts to pull you in. So, beware before you blindly click on anything sent to you.
2. Check for Info Asked.
   Another aspect you could watch out for in the email, direct message or whatever, is checking for some fishy information being asked. This could be bank information especially. You might have been notified ample of times by your bank about not asking or sharing personal details. This means that any messages you receive shouldn’t contain such questions. You could confirm with your respective bank just to be safe.
3. Don’t Click on Any Links.
   … We mean any links that you have some doubts upon or that are supposed to “direct you to your bank’s website”. Most fraud websites have hyperlinks that will lead you to the websites they want you to visit. These are the ones that end up stealing your information. You don’t have to click these links. A new tab can be easily opened to go to your actual bank website.
4. Make Use of Firewalls.
   If you install some good Firewalls, they could act as blurred lines between your information and the invader. Firewalls can be of two types, desktop and network Firewalls which also come in a hardware and software form. If you choose to install both it just one, regardless, they are good preventive measures. To be safer, consider an anti phishing service.
5. Only Safe Websites.
   Passwords and other details should not only be kept safe with the user but should also be entered at safe websites. Make sure the Web address starts with the regular https format and has a lock icon to ensure that it’s a secure website.
6. Check for Bank Errors.
   It would not hurt to check your accounts once in a while. Most banks provide a list of transactions so you can check it frequently for any errors. If there are any, it could be indications of a fraud or scam or just an invasion. Just log on to your bank website with your net banking details and you should find it.
7. Don’t Ignore Antivirus.
   Increasing your computer or smartphone security is one of the best preventive methods. So, don’t think that not downloading an Antivirus will benefit you at all. It will bring you more harm and confidentiality issues. Also, keep your servers, software, and browsers updated too.
8. Pop-Up Mayhem.
   Pop-ups are really common in a lot of websites. The worst part is that they can be disguised as actual parts of the website you’re viewing. So, in order to avoid being directed to a fraudulent site, click the small cross symbol in the corner. You can even change your pop-up settings.
9. Phishing Is of All Types.
   Don’t be fooled into thinking that Phishing is only limited to banking information. It is actually really prominent in social media platforms and transaction websites as well. Be alert regardless of the type of source concerned.
10. See No Language.
    Phishing invaders may approach you in any language possible. They usually don’t have any boundaries. Having said that, the language is usually poorly written and translated so it is kind of easy to detect. Make sure to confirm with your bank if anything seems out of place in this regard.

Have you read?

# Best Countries For Business In Europe For Non-European Investors, 2019 . (Europe)
# World’s Top 100 Cities To Reside In For 2019.
# The World’s Best Airlines For Business Travel In 2017.
# Best Websites For CEOs, Senior Executives, And entrepreneurs.