We need to pay attention to our security every time we surf the Internet. A way to protect our systems and networks, to maintain a good connection and, ultimately, to protect our privacy. We can face many attacks. Hackers use several methods to steal our keys and attack computers. In this article we want to explain what types of phishing attacks we can find and, above all, what we can do to avoid them.
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Types of Phishing attacks
First of all, we want to remind our readers what phishing attacks are. Basically, we can say that it is an identity forgery method widely used by cybercriminals. They are looking for ways to steal user passwords. It can be present in all types of devices and systems.
To carry out these attacks, hackers must now deceive the victim. Common sense is therefore essential to avoid problems that could lead to password theft.
Phishing via email, messaging apps
The most normal thing is that a phishing attack occurs via an email that we have received. However, it can also happen that it reaches us through social networks or even through instant messaging programs such as WhatsApp.
In this case, we receive a message intended to replace the identity of a legitimate company or organization. They try to make us believe that we are dealing with something official, secure, but in reality when you connect or send our data, it ends up on a server controlled by hackers.
This is undoubtedly the classic phishing that has been around for many years. Hackers can send mass emails to many users. They can find a way to steal our passwords and ultimately compromise our privacy.
As we have already mentioned, spear phishing is an alternative to phishing. It is not much different from traditional attacks, but in this case there is a task behind it, since the cybercriminal seeks information from the victim beforehand in order to launch a more personalized attack.
These attacks can be more successful because if they target a specific person, they are more likely to open them and fall for the trap.
Hidden links in redirects and links
Phishing does not only happen through a message, but can also take the form of a hidden redirect or a malicious link within a website we visit. However, the operation is very similar. The user visits this link that appears on a specific page and at that moment he may end up on a malicious website where he downloads malware, enters data and ends up on a server controlled by hackers, etc.
Caution is therefore advised when surfing the Internet. We must always log in directly from the official website or legitimate application. We must avoid doing this through links that we find while surfing third-party websites.
Vishing and smishing
Different cases are vishing and smishing. The first is a phone call phishing attack. For example, they may call us pretending to be our bank with the sole purpose of collecting personal information and stealing our passwords.
Smishing, on the other hand, is phishing that comes to us via SMS. A simple text message can contain a link that takes us to a page controlled by hackers. A problem that, as in previous cases, could lead to the theft of information.
How to protect yourself from phishing
Common sense is very important. Hackers need our interaction to achieve their goals. To do this we have to click on a link, open an email, enter our password, etc. Therefore, common sense is essential. It is essential not to make errors.
It is also interesting to have security tools. A good antivirus program can prevent malware and certain threats from entering. For example, if you browse an unsafe website, you can send us a warning.
On the other hand, it is always recommended to have the latest versions and security patches. We need the latest updates to address potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited and compromise our security and privacy.
In short, phishing is a major problem that can put our systems at risk. It is important that we take steps to avoid falling victim to this problem.
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