In our increasingly interconnected world, the risk of falling victim to cybercrime is higher than ever.

 

Phishing is one of the most common types of cybercrime – an unfortunately relatable issue, as you have most likely seen a phishing mail at some point in your inbox.

 

Simply put, it is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details by posing as a trustworthy entity.

 

Scammers are getting even craftier, creating letterheads, email signatures and even proof of payment notifications that look authentic and valid. With these types of cybercrimes increasing, vigilance is of utmost importance to protect yourself and your organisation.

 

This blog post aims to educate you about the various forms of phishing scams, offer guidance on how to identify and avoid them and highlight how Roundhouse Cyber can assist in ensuring you stay protected.

 

What is Phishing?

 

Phishing is a deceptive practice that leverages social engineering to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information.

 

Scammers impersonate legitimate organisations or individuals through emails, text messages, or even phone calls to achieve their goals.

 

Different Types of Phishing Scams

 

  1. Email Phishing: Traditional phishing attacks usually occur via email. The sender claims to be from a reputable source, such as a bank or government agency, asking you to provide personal information.

 

  1. Spear Phishing: This is a targeted form of phishing where the scammer customises the message to a specific individual, often using personal details to make the scam more believable.

 

  1. Smishing (SMS Phishing): In this case, phishing attempts are made via text messages.

 

  1. Vishing (Voice Phishing): Scammers use phone calls to trick you into giving up personal information.

 

  1. Website Phishing: Fraudulent websites are created to mimic legitimate ones. Users are lured to these sites and tricked into entering their credentials.

 

Identifying Phishing Attempts

 

Look for Red Flags

 

  1. Spelling and Grammar: Official communications from reputable organisations are typically well-written. Watch out for spelling and grammatical errors.

 

  1. Unusual Sender Email: If the email address doesn’t match the organisation’s official domain or appears suspicious, be cautious.

 

  1. Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive information via email.

 

  1. Urgency: Phishers often create a sense of urgency, like stating that your account will be deactivated unless immediate action is taken.

 

  1. Unfamiliar Greetings: Emails that start with vague salutations like “Dear Customer” can be a red flag.

 

  1. Logo and branding: Check if the logo or branding used looks legitimate; is it the same font and colours as the official site etc.

 

Verify

 

  1. Double-Check Links: Hover over – do not click! – links to see where they lead. A mismatch between the hyperlink text and the URL is a warning sign.

 

  1. Contact the Organisation: If you’re unsure, contact the organisation through official channels to verify the request.

 

  1. Check for HTTPS: Legitimate websites use HTTPS to encrypt data. Be sceptical of sites that only use HTTP.

 

How to Protect Yourself

Use Security Software

 

  1. Anti-Phishing Toolbars: These toolbars run quick checks on sites you visit and compare them to lists of known phishing sites.

 

  1. Updated Antivirus: Ensure that your antivirus software is up-to-date to protect against malware.

 

Be Cautious

 

  1. Don’t Click: Never click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.

 

  1. Be Sceptical: Always question unsolicited requests for your personal information.

 

  1. Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication for accounts to add an extra layer of security.

 

Report Phishing Attempts

 

  1. Report Phishing Emails: Report phishing emails to your dedicated IT support team, if you do not have one feel free to schedule a call with our team from our website.

 

  1. Report to Organisation: If the phishing attempt impersonates a specific organisation, report it to them. Most have dedicated channels for reporting such incidents.

 

Roundhouse is Here to Help

 

While phishing attacks continue to evolve, being informed and vigilant is your best form of defence.

 

At Roundhouse Cyber we offer Phishing Simulations to test and assist your organisation in raising awareness, and simultaneously improve areas of weakness, so your organisation does not fall victim.

 

For more information on our Phishing Simulations click here or reach out to us here and one of our experts will contact you.

 

By understanding the different types of phishing scams and knowing how to identify them, you are already one step ahead in the fight against cybercrime.

 

Always remember: When in doubt, it’s better to be cautious than to regret it later. Stay safe online!