Phishing is a common type of online fraud. Hackers use their computing knowledge to illegally obtain information, money, or access to private systems. In the case of phishing, a person attempts to get information or money through any online communication channel by impersonating a legitimate person or entity. Phishing is largely known by email attacks, but in reality, phishing attacks can also happen through text messages or social media. Phishing has been around for a long time and it has progressively gotten more sophisticated. There have been cases of attacks that only required a user to open an email to unleash a cyberattack. Just like technology is in constant innovation, the people behind cyberattacks are constantly progressing and getting better. We don’t know what the next strategy will be to steal information; therefore, we must learn practices and take precautions to keep our online personas safe.
1. Know the sender. The first advice might seem obvious, but it is important to emphasize checking and recognizing the sender in emails and texts. Hackers can easily replicate emails to look legitimate. This applies to both the content but also to the email address. The only way you can make sure an email comes from a legitimate source is by using common sense. Does the content make sense? It is key you recognize and consider your own online movements. Ask yourself if you did something that could have triggered the email you received. When it comes to senders, the gold rule is, again, to follow your instinct. Reaching out to the person or entity through other means can save you a stolen account. It can be as simple as going to the official website of an entity and chatting with online support or giving the person a call and make sure he or she did send you an email. Check the official email address of an institution or entity on their website. Usually, professionals don’t use emails that are easy obtained and free like Gmail or Hotmail. You can avoid a lot of trouble by just taking an extra step and making sure the email you received is safe.
2. Beware your clicks. This is simple but important advice. Knowing which links are safe to click is paramount to avoiding cyberattacks. Whether it is an attached file or a link to a website, if you are not careful you can fall victim to viruses and scams. Attached files in an email can contain viruses and links can direct you to a copy-cat website that was created to look real and steal your information. This advice also applies to ads online. Adware is a type of cyberattack that is designed to persuade you to click on a link and download a virus. Being aware that these online and email efforts exist can change the way you navigate the Internet. Make sure all the emails you open and websites you visit come from our legitimate bitfoliex sources. Remember that our official email communication comes from @bitfoliex.com.
3. Don’t believe everything you read. A big part of phishing is scamming through incredible promises. This is the definition of social engineering and it works thanks to the human factor. Cybercriminals create situations or conversations that rely on and are attractive to people’s good nature in order to make people break security rules that they usually wouldn’t. Through the years we have seen multiple examples of social engineering that range from crazy sob stories from lost family members, princes in trouble, or fake lotteries. If you don’t remembers signing up for a contest or simple don’t remember a person, it is likely an email that assures you of the contrary is a phishing scam. To some these types of emails can seem absurd or obvious, but you need to remember that hackers work really hard to make them look real. A job offer or a LinkedIn request can also be part of social engineering. Do not fall for ads or offers to buy cryptocurrencies on websites or from people you don’t know. Be suspicious of people who try to sell you cryptocurrencies at a lower price than market price.
Phishing can make people feel like all of the Internet is bad, but that is not true. Many people use the Internet to do business, meet people, or reconnect with friends and family. What truly matter when using the Internet is that you stay alert and up-to-date about these types of threats. Little actions like changing your password regularly or activating 2FA to your accounts can make all the difference to keeping your information safe.
