IT News
Recognizing and Reporting Phishing
September 27, 2023
Phishing is a popular hacking tactic and can be disastrous. Cybercriminals use phishing to expose your information by making an email, URL, or website appear to be authentic so that the victim will input their username and password or their credit card credentials. Hackers often implement these ploys through email. It is essential to not only know what phishing is but also recognize attempts at phishing and report them. Here are some of the most common email phishing ploys used by cybercriminals.
Urgent Message
You might receive a message that calls for immediate action. This
email might tell you that your account was hacked or will be
deactivated, and you need to follow the steps to restore it. Your fear
of losing your account might make you act quickly. However, take a
second to slow down and really read the email as well as look for
common signs that it might be a fake email.
Login or Password Message
Another common phishing email asks you to verify your account by
logging into a (fake) website that appears to be legitimate. These
emails aim to gain access to your account by revealing your username
and password to the fake website.
Corporate Communications
Hackers use corporate communications and emails from stakeholders
such as HR or various leadership because they have the highest click
rate. An internal phishing email may prompt you to click on a link to
read a company policy update, read a company-wide update document, or
even provide sensitive information.
Reward or Free Gift Message
Hackers also use free gifts or rewards to trick victims into
revealing their personal information. When getting messages about free
things, be on high alert. Receive an invite to a free movie premiere?
Be on high alert! Despite their enticing nature, free things can also
pose a risk. Hackers try to bait you into clicking on a malicious link
with this ploy.
If you believe you have encountered a phishing email, please forward it to [email protected] for review. IT Security can help you determine whether the email is a scam and notify others.