Phishing: A Curse of the Internet

Phishing is a type of cyberattack that uses fraudulent emails and websites to steal personal information such as passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive data. These emails and websites are often designed to look like they come from legitimate sources, such as banks, email providers, or online stores. They can be very convincing, and many people have fallen victim to them. In this article, we will discuss what is meant by phishing, how it works, and some tips on how to protect yourself from these attacks.

What is meant by phishing?

Phishing is a form of online fraud where criminals try to acquire private information such as login id, password, and bank account details by sending fake emails to unsuspecting victims. The email may appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or e-commerce site, but it will usually contain a link that directs the victim to a spoof website where they are asked to enter their personal information. Phishing is a very common scam and it can be difficult to tell if an email is legitimate or not, so it is important to be vigilant and never enter your personal information into a website that you are not sure about.

What is the history of Phishing attacks?

Phishing has been a problem on the internet since its inception. The first phishing attack is believed to have occurred in 1996, when a user received an email purporting to be from their bank, asking them to verify their account information. Unfortunately, this type of attack is still common today.  It is a form of hacking, which is being used more fraudulently in the era of the Internet. The methods applied to get access to sensitive information like username or password by pretending to be a trusted source in an electronic communication is called Phishing.

What are the types of Phishing attacks?

There are many different types of Phishing attacks, but the most common ones are email attacks and phone calls. In an email attack, the hacker will send you a fake email that looks like it’s from a legitimate company, like your bank or credit card company. The email will ask you to click on a link or open an attachment, and when you do, you will download a virus that gives the hacker access to your computer. In a phone call attack, the hacker will call you and pretend to be a customer service representative from your bank or credit card company. They will ask for your personal information, like your name and account number, and when you give it to them, they will use it to steal your money.

How to save yourself from phishing attacks?

Phishing is a type of online scam where you receive an email or other communication that appears to be from a legitimate source but is actually from a scammer. The objective or aim of a phishing attack is to steal your private information, like your name, password, or credit card number. Phishing is one of the most common types of online scams. In fact, according to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishing attacks have increased by 250 per cent over the past year. 

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from phishing attacks: 

1. Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails from unfamiliar sources. 
2. Look for misspellings and poor grammar in email messages, which are common in phishing emails. 
3. Check the website address to make sure it matches the website you are expecting to visit, Hover your cursor over links to see the web address they will take you to. 
4. If you are unsure about an email, call the company directly to ask if the email is legitimate. 
5. Use strong passwords and change them regularly. 
6. Install anti-virus software and keep it up to date.
7. Install a spam blocker on your email account.
8.  Educate yourself about phishing and other online scams. 

The best way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is to be aware of what they are and how they work. Be suspicious of any email or communication that asks for your personal information and never give out your password or credit card number to someone you don’t know. If you are unsure about an email, call the company directly to ask if it is legitimate. You can also install anti-virus software and a spam blocker on your computer to help protect you from phishing attacks. Educating yourself about phishing and other online scams is also important. By knowing what to look for, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of this type of scam.

Conclusion

Phishing is a curse of the internet and it is on the rise. It is a technique used by cybercriminals to gain personal information like names, passwords or money by sending fake emails. In this article, we covered what is meant by phishing, its history, types & tips on saving yourself.

Be very careful what you click on, and always be suspicious of unsolicited emails. Educate yourself on what to look for in a phishing email, and report any suspicious emails to your IT department. Stay safe online!