This is a thorough article focused on Spam and Phishing Scams. Look at the information provided in this article and protect yourself from becoming a cyberattack victim.
Get A Better Understanding of the Terms: SPAM and PHISHING
To keep yourself protected from any online attack or scam, you must be aware of it. Knowing what the spam or phishing scam is really important. Hence, look at the information provided below and gain an insight into it.
Spam
Spamming is a process of using communication systems specifically mailing platforms to send unsolicited messages to a great extent. Spam messages or emails are sent to the users without their consent and with diverse purposes. The main motive behind the spam messages is the advertisement, non-commercial purpose, or for unlawful intentions. At times, through spam messages, the sender tries to hack your system in order to gain access to your data. When a spam mail is sent to a user, the intention behind it is to block the inbox and further gain access to it.
Phishing
Phishing is just like spam but with no good intention. It is a fraudulent activity of gaining sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, and more by concealing the true identity. Persons behind these attacks manipulate the users by becoming a trustworthy and reliable identity. They, through illegal practices, ask the users their personal information and further use it for hacking the system or accounts.
A rise in Spam and Phishing Scams
With the increasing technology and the use of electronic communication mediums, it becomes quite easier for spammers to get their hands on user’s information. Earlier it was limited to the emails. But with time, spammers have grown to various other mediums also. One such example is SOCIAL MEDIA. Through links on multiple social media platforms, spammers try to get their hands on the user’s account and further attack their personal information and data. The hackers design fake websites, send messages just like an official bank, and use the right logos that make it difficult to identify their real identity. Not just the loss of information, but such practices might also download the malware to the victim’s system without their consent.
This makes it necessary to protect yourself from such emails, websites, messages, and links. Before you provide any of your personal or financial information, you must think twice. You must keep yourself aware of what financial information an institute asks for and whatnot. Awareness is the key to keep yourself protected and not get added in the list of victims.
This makes it necessary to protect yourself from such emails, websites, messages, and links. Before you provide any of your personal or financial information, you must think twice. You must keep yourself aware of what financial information an institute asks for and whatnot. Awareness is the key to keep yourself protected and not get added in the list of victims.
Learn How to Protect Yourself From the Scams?
Here are some useful tips to reduce or eliminate the risk of spam and phishing scams. Always keep the following points in mind and be extra careful whenever you receive any of the suspicious mail or messages.
Never reveal your information
Whenever you receive an email or message asking you to provide you personal information, you must be very cautious before you revert. It is suggested by every financial institution or any official identity, not to provide the OTPs, Bank Details, and more. You must check the security of the source, every time you come across such messages.
Review the Web URL Carefully
Many a time, spammers design websites identical to the official one. This misguides the users and asks them to provide personal information. Hence, you must always pay extra attention to the website URL. This is because a malicious website will surely have a difference in the spellings or will use a distinct domain as official.
Verify with the company
It is suggested to contact the official company and legitimate them about such emails or messages. You can contact the company via the email address or the contact number they provide on their official website.
Remove such Mails, Messages, Links, etc.
You are suggested to keep your system clean of such messages or emails. Every time you receive the emails containing links for providing the information or else, you must delete them without thinking much.
Put emphasis on the passphrase
A passphrase is an important factor in keeping yourself protected from such scams. A strong and unique password works as a shield from various attacks. So, you are suggested to create an 8-12digit long password which must be a mix of special characters, numbers, lowercase letters, and uppercase letters. Also, every account must be secured with a distinct password.
Enable multiple authentications
An extra layer of protection is much needed because of rising spam cases and other cyber attacks. Keeping this in mind, many of the websites offer two-factor authentication, biometrics, security key, etc. Enabling this will help you inform you every time your account gets accessed from an unknown source.
Use varied email addresses
Users are advised not to use a single email address for all purposes. You must keep one email address private that you use for linking to shopping or eatery websites. For banking and financial usage, you must have a distinct email address.
Apply anti-spam filters
While you create an email account, you must be really cautious. Since the email address is linked to various sources, it must be enabled with anti-spam filters.
Use cybersecurity software
Cybersecurity software is highly recommended for getting the top-rated protection. These software blocks the spam or phishing messages, emails, or websites whenever they try to get their hands on your information. There is multiple cybersecurity software available in the market. However, the one that offers the best-in-class online security is Network Privacy Shield by Drivers and Shield LLC.
Measures to be Taken If you Are Already Targeted
Even on following all the precautionary measures, if have still become the victim of Spam or phishing scam, then you must follow the below stated
instructions.
- File a Report to the official organization, network administrator, cybercrime branch, etc.
- Connect to the financial institution and close your account or cards to protect it from further damage or loss.
- Look for the charges if any that are not made by you and ask your bank to send the details of the same.
