Phishing: razumevanje rizika i strategija zaštite

What is phishing and fishing?

Phishing and hameçonnage are two terms that essentially refer to the same malicious technique. The term "phishing" comes from the English "fishing," and it symbolizes the idea that the attacker casts their hook to attract victims. "Hameçonnage" is the French translation that also refers to this form of online fraud..

Phishing involves sending electronic messages (emails, SMS, or messages via social platforms) that appear to come from a legitimate source – often a company, a bank, or even a friend – with the aim of deceiving the victim and leading them to disclose sensitive information such as passwords, banking information, or credit card numbers.

Phishing messages are often well-designed to mimic authentic communications. For example, an email that appears to come from your bank might ask you to "verify your account" by clicking on a link and entering your personal information. Of course, this link redirects you to a fake website that captures your personal information.

How do phishing attacks work?

Phishing attacks can take various forms, but here are some of the most common ones:

1. Phishing emails : These are the most common phishing attacks. The email may appear to come from a trusted institution (banks, online businesses, etc.), urging you to click on a link or download a malicious attachment. The message may use alarmist language to push you to act quickly, such as "Your account has been compromised" or "Reset your password immediately".
2. Phishing SMS (smishing) : Smishing is a variation of phishing, where the attack occurs via SMS. The messages may contain links to fraudulent sites or request personal information. Like emails, these SMS messages can also appear to come from trustworthy sources.
3. Voice phishing (vishing) : This type of phishing occurs over the phone. A scammer may impersonate an agent of a legitimate company and request personal information under the pretense of a security check or an urgent issue requiring immediate action.
4. Attacks via social media: Attackers can create fake profiles or hack existing accounts to send fraudulent messages. For example, you might receive a message from a "friend" inviting you to visit a link that seems innocent, but is actually a phishing page.

The consequences of phishing

The consequences of a phishing attack can be severe, ranging from loss of funds to identity theft. Here are some main risks:

• Identity theft : By obtaining your personal information (name, address, social security number, etc.), attackers can impersonate you and commit fraud..
• Unauthorized access to financial accounts : If you provide banking information or passwords, your accounts may be emptied or used for unauthorized purchases.
• Malware installation: Some phishing attacks include links to websites that download malware (viruses, ransomware, etc.) onto your device, thereby compromising your security and data.
• Loss of trust : If your business falls victim to phishing, it can harm its reputation and the trust of your customers.

How to protect yourself against phishing?

Although it is difficult to completely avoid phishing, there are several strategies to reduce the risks:

1. Check the sender of the email or message:
   • Always check the sender's email address. Fraudsters often use similar but slightly modified addresses, such as "banqueservice@b@nk.com" instead of "banqueservice@bank.com".
   • If the message seems suspicious, do not click on the links and do not open the attachments.
2. Never provide personal information via email or SMS:
   • Legitimate institutions will never ask you to provide sensitive information via email or SMS. If you have any doubts, contact the company directly through another means to verify the request.
3. Beware of suspicious links:
   • Hover your mouse over the links (without clicking) to check the actual URL. If the URL looks strange or does not match that of the official site, do not click.
   • It is preferable to manually type the website address into your browser.
4. Enable two-factor authentication:
   • Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (such as a code sent via SMS) when logging into your accounts.
5. Use security software:
   • Install an antivirus and a firewall that can detect and block phishing attempts and malware.
   • Regularly update your software and operating systems to fix vulnerabilities.
6. Educate and raise awareness:
   • The best defense against phishing is vigilance. Learn to recognize the signs of a phishing attempt and raise awareness among your friends and colleagues about these dangers.
7. Never respond to urgent requests:
   • Phishing emails often try to make you react quickly. Be cautious if a message asks you to take immediate action. Take the time to verify the authenticity of the request.

Conclusion

Phishing and fishing scams are serious threats that continue to evolve and diversify. However, by being vigilant and applying simple security practices, you can effectively protect yourself. Never forget that it's better to prevent than to cure: if you have any doubts about a message, take a few minutes to verify before responding or clicking on a link. Cybersecurity relies on cautious habits and appropriate tools, and everyone can contribute to limiting these risks.