What is Email Phishing and how to spot it?
Email phishing is a type of cybercrime where attackers send fraudulent emails that appear to come from a legitimate source, such as a bank or a popular online service, in an attempt to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials, financial information, or personal data.
To spot email phishing, look out for:
1. Urgent or threatening language: Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency to prompt you into taking action.
2. Misspelled URLs: Scammers may use similar URLs to legitimate sites, but with slight variations.
3. Request for personal information: Legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information via email.
4. Generic greetings: Phishing emails often use generic greetings instead of addressing you by name.
5. Spelling and grammar mistakes: Legitimate companies usually have professional emails without mistakes.
6. Suspicious attachments: Be cautious of attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware.
To stay safe:
1. Verify the sender: Check the sender’s email address to ensure it’s legitimate.
2. Be cautious of links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or download attachments from unfamiliar senders.
3. Use two-factor authentication: Enable 2FA whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.
4. Keep software up-to-date: Ensure your operating system, browser, and antivirus software are current.
5. Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and delete suspicious emails!