Phishing involves cybercriminals posing as legitimate institutions to trick you into giving them personal information such as passwords or bank details. These scams are becoming more sophisticated, so it’s important for everyone to know how to recognise and avoid them.
Understanding Phishing
Phishing attacks often appear as emails, text messages, or social media messages that seem to be from reputable sources like banks or government agencies. They usually urge you to take immediate action, like verifying account details or claiming a prize. These messages are crafted to prompt you to click on a malicious link or open an attachment that could compromise your security.
Recognising Phishing Attempts
- Unexpected Requests: Be wary of messages that push you to take urgent action such as confirming your identity or updating your payment details.
- Suspicious Links and Attachments: Before clicking, hover your mouse over any links to verify they lead where they are supposed to. Avoid links that look unusual or misspelled.
- Errors in the Text: Legitimate organizations generally ensure their communications are free of spelling and grammar mistakes. Errors can be a red flag for phishing.
- Generic Greetings: Phishing emails may use non-personal greetings like "Dear Customer," unlike genuine communications that often address you by name.
Steps to Protect Yourself
- Verify the Source: If you’re uncertain about a message’s authenticity, contact the organization directly using information from their official website, not details provided in the suspicious email.
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding a second layer of security to your accounts can significantly enhance protection.
- Update Your Security Software: Regular updates to your devices and security software are crucial to defend against threats that exploit older systems.
- Educate Yourself and Share Knowledge: Stay informed about the latest in scam tactics and educate your network to build a community aware of cybersecurity threats.
What to Do If You Suspect a Phishing Attack
If you suspect a phishing attempt:
- Do Not Interact: Instead of responding or clicking any links, forward the message to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) at reportphishing@cyber.gov.au.
- Inform the Company: If the email pretends to be from a legitimate company, alert them using contact information from their genuine website.
- Change Your Passwords: If there's a chance your information has been compromised, promptly change your passwords.
Phishing is a significant threat, but by remaining vigilant and informed, you can substantially reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Awareness is key; by understanding how these scams operate and regularly updating your cybersecurity practices, you can protect not just yourself but also contribute to safer online environments for everyone.