Phishing Attacks: Why You Should Protect Yourself

Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge the growing need for robust protection of our devices and digital data online. With the widespread variety of online cyber attacks, ranging from harmful attacks damaging our devices to physical or moral attacks aiming to steal or extort sensitive information, it is essential to safeguard against these threats. This article explores one of the most common attacks targeting internet users, exposing them to extortion, theft, or harm in various forms, and discusses necessary measures to avoid falling victim to these attacks.

What is Phishing?

Phishing attacks are electronic assaults targeting both organizations and individuals, aiming to access sensitive information belonging to the victim or the organization they are affiliated with. This sensitive information includes data such as banking details, credit card information, or highly sensitive personal information crucial for government transactions or proof of ownership of specific assets. The primary objective is to steal data, extort the victim, or cause harm to the victim's computer.

How Phishing Attacks are Conducted

The methods employed by attackers to access data through phishing vary, but generally involve sending a link to the victim's email under a compelling pretext, such as urging the recipient to click on the link for important reasons or enticing offers like winning a new electronic device or a lottery. The goal is to lure the victim into clicking the attached link, leading to the download of malicious software causing damage or stealing data from the victim's device.

Alternatively, attackers may utilize social engineering expertise, gaining the trust of the victim by posing as a reliable entity providing secure services. Once trust is established, the attacker may ask for sensitive information under the guise of protecting the victim from a specific problem, offering technical maintenance, or presenting themselves as a government service, such as a census bureau.

These attacks continue to evolve, especially with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology. In recent years, the incidence of phishing attacks has surged by over 400%, constituting nearly 30% of all reported cyber breaches. Phishing attacks primarily target organizations more than individuals.

Types of Phishing Attacks

1. URL-based attacks: By enticing users to click on a link, automatically triggering the download of malicious files or software that causes harm or steals data.

2. Form-filling attacks: Sending an email with a link to a form that the victim needs to fill out with sensitive information. The filled-out data becomes a tool for the attacker to conduct further fraudulent activities.

3. Email attacks: Coming in various forms, such as spear-phishing, which targets personal data like phone numbers and full names, or whale phishing, focusing on organizations or companies with more valuable data.

4. Voice calls: Typically involving two individuals – one gaining the victim's trust and extracting personal information, and the other inputting this data into a form for future use.

5. Advertisements: Malicious ads on websites that, when clicked, download harmful software onto the user's device or compromise their data.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing

1. Awareness: Emphasizing the importance of understanding these attacks should be the first and foremost point. Awareness enables individuals to take necessary measures to avoid falling victim to such attacks.