What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where criminals impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. These attacks typically come via email, but can also occur through text messages (smishing), phone calls (vishing), or social media.

Common Types of Phishing Attacks

1. Email Phishing

The most common form, where attackers send fraudulent emails that appear to be from trusted sources like banks, online retailers, or government agencies.

2. Spear Phishing

Targeted attacks aimed at specific individuals or organizations, often using personal information to make the message more convincing.

3. Whaling

High-value targets like executives or senior management are targeted with sophisticated attacks designed to steal credentials or authorize fraudulent transactions.

4. Clone Phishing

Attackers create a nearly identical copy of a legitimate email you've previously received, replacing links or attachments with malicious ones.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Phishing Email

1. Suspicious Sender Address

Look carefully at the sender's email address. Phishers often use addresses that look similar to legitimate ones but have slight variations:

2. Urgent or Threatening Language

Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking:

  • "Your account will be closed in 24 hours!"
  • "Suspicious activity detected - verify immediately!"
  • "You've won a prize - claim it now!"
  • "Payment failed - update your information!"

3. Generic Greetings

Legitimate companies usually address you by name. Be suspicious of emails that start with:

  • "Dear Customer"
  • "Dear User"
  • "Dear Account Holder"

4. Suspicious Links

Hover over links (without clicking) to see the actual URL. Phishing links often:

  • Use URL shorteners to hide the real destination
  • Contain misspellings of legitimate domains
  • Use HTTP instead of HTTPS
  • Include random numbers or characters

5. Unexpected Attachments

Be wary of unexpected attachments, especially:

  • .exe, .zip, or .scr files
  • Microsoft Office documents with macros
  • PDF files from unknown senders

6. Poor Grammar and Spelling

While not always the case, many phishing emails contain obvious spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or awkward phrasing that legitimate companies wouldn't use.

7. Requests for Sensitive Information

Legitimate organizations will NEVER ask you to provide sensitive information via email, including:

  • Passwords or PINs
  • Social Security numbers
  • Credit card numbers
  • Bank account details

What to Do If You Receive a Phishing Email

1. Don't Click or Download Anything

Avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, or replying to the email.

2. Verify Independently

If the email claims to be from a company you do business with, contact them directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate (not from the email).

3. Report the Phishing Attempt

  • Forward the email to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at [email protected]
  • Report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Forward to your email provider's spam/phishing reporting address
  • If it impersonates a specific company, report it to their security team

4. Delete the Email

After reporting, delete the phishing email from your inbox and trash folder.

What to Do If You've Been Phished

If you've already clicked a link, downloaded an attachment, or provided information:

  1. Change your passwords immediately - Start with the account that was compromised, then any accounts using the same password
  2. Enable two-factor authentication - Add an extra layer of security to your accounts
  3. Run antivirus software - Scan your device for malware
  4. Monitor your accounts - Watch for unauthorized transactions or changes
  5. Contact your bank - If you provided financial information, alert your bank or credit card company
  6. Report identity theft - File a report at IdentityTheft.gov if personal information was stolen
  7. Place a fraud alert - Contact credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report

Prevention Tips

  • ✅ Keep software and operating systems updated
  • ✅ Use email filters and spam blockers
  • ✅ Install browser extensions that detect phishing sites
  • ✅ Never click links in unsolicited emails
  • ✅ Type URLs directly into your browser instead of clicking email links
  • ✅ Use different passwords for different accounts
  • ✅ Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts
  • ✅ Be skeptical of emails requesting urgent action
  • ✅ Educate family members and colleagues about phishing

Conclusion

Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but by staying vigilant and knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself from falling victim. Remember: when in doubt, don't click. Take a moment to verify the legitimacy of any suspicious email before taking action. Your caution could save you from identity theft, financial loss, and significant headaches.