Common phishing types and prevention tactics
Phishing Attacks: The Art of Deception in a Digital World
Phishing attacks continue to be prevalent and effective methods cyber criminals use to steal sensitive information, such as usernames, passwords, credit card details, and other personal data. Understanding the different types of phishing attacks and implementing effective prevention tactics is crucial to protect yourself and your organisation.
Phishing attacks are a widespread cyber threat that take on many forms. They attempt to deceive people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, financial details, or personal data. To stay safe in the digital world, it is essential to be aware of the various types of phishing and to use effective prevention methods.
Common Phishing Types
Email Phishing
This is the most common type of phishing attack. Cyber-criminals send deceptive emails impersonating legitimate organisations or individuals, enticing recipients to click on malicious links or download malicious attachments. These emails often mimic trusted brands, financial institutions, or popular online services.
Spear Phishing
Spear phishing targets specific individuals or organisations making the attack more personalised and convincing. Attackers gather information about their targets from various sources, such as social media profiles or public databases, to create tailored phishing emails that appear legitimate.
Whaling
Whaling is a type of spear phishing attack that targets high-level executives or individuals in positions of power within an organisation. The aim is to trick them into revealing sensitive information or granting unauthorised access to critical systems.
Smishing
Smishing refers to phishing attacks conducted via SMS or text messages. Attackers send text messages containing deceptive links or asking recipients to provide personal information by replying to the message.
Vishing
Vishing, or voice phishing, involves attackers making phone calls to individuals, posing as legitimate organisations, and attempting to extract sensitive information, such as credit card details or login credentials.
Pharming
Pharming involves redirecting individuals to malicious websites that imitate legitimate sites, aiming to collect their sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card details. This is often done by manipulating DNS settings or compromising routers.
Phishing Prevention Tactics
Be Skeptical and Vigilant
Maintain a healthy scepticism when receiving unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, especially those requesting personal or financial information. Verify the authenticity of the sender or caller through independent means before taking any action.
Think Before You Click
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Hover over links to check their destination URL, but do not click on them unless you know their legitimacy.
Verify Website Security
Before entering any personal or financial information on a website, ensure that it has a secure connection. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the browser address bar, indicating that the website uses SSL/TLS encryption.
Keep Software Updated
Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and security software to protect against known vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals often exploit.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Implement 2FA whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device and your password.
Use Anti-Phishing Tools
Install and regularly update anti-phishing tools, browser extensions, or email filters that can detect and block known phishing websites or suspicious email content.
How can you help to protect yourself and others
Report Phishing Attempts
If you receive a phishing email or come across a suspicious website, report it to the relevant authorities, such as your organisation’s IT department, email service provider, or local law enforcement agencies such as Scamwatch
Scamwatch is run by the National Anti-Scam Center to collect reports about scams to help them warn others and to take action to stop scams. Scamwatch also provide up-to-date information to help you spot and avoid scams.
Scam reports help the National Anti-Scam Center make Australia a harder target for scammers and protect people from becoming victims in the future.
Training, Training, and Training
Stay informed about the latest phishing techniques and educate yourself and your employees about phishing awareness. Training programs can help individuals recognise phishing attempts and understand best practices for avoiding them.