The Different Types of Phishing Attacks and How to Avoid Them

Introduction

We've all received text messages like, "Please verify your login or your account will be suspended" or promises that you have won a prize. These are examples of phishing attacks, and unfortunately, too many people still fall for them as they are designed to trick you into giving away personal details resulting in identity theft. In this blog post, we will explain the different types of phishing attacks and how you can avoid them.

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of online fraud that tries to trick you into giving up your personal information such as passwords, credit card information, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. Phishing attacks can come in the form of emails, text messages, or even phone calls. It is important to be aware of these attacks and know how to avoid them. But what is phishing? Phishing is a form of social engineering that is designed to get you to a fake site or to get you to click on a link to install malware on your system.

The Different Types of Phishing Attacks

There are several different types of phishing attacks, and each one uses a different strategy to try to trick you. They can be general where they are sent to anyone and they wait to see who responds. Here are some of the most common tactics and common types of phishing attacks:

Email Phishing:

This is the most common type of phishing attack. Attackers will send you an email that looks like it is from a legitimate source, such as your bank or a company you do business with. The email will usually contain a link that takes you to a fake website that looks real. Once you are on the website, you may be asked to enter your personal information. Or, the website may download malware onto your computer without you even realizing it.

Spear phishing:

Spear phishing is a type of email phishing attack that targets a specific individual or organization. The attacker will usually customize the email to look like it is from someone you know or an organization you are involved with. They will also use personal information about you to make the email seem more legitimate. For example, they may mention something that only you would know about. Spearphishers often use this tactic to try to get access to corporate networks so they can steal sensitive data or confidential information.

Whaling:

Whaling is very similar to spear phishing, but instead of targeting individuals, attackers target high-profile individuals or 'big fish' such as CEOs or other executives within an organization. They may try to trick these individuals into authorizing wire transfers or giving them access to sensitive data. It is specially crafted and detailed.

Voice Phishing (Vishing):

Vishing is a type of phishing attack that uses voice calls instead of emails or text messages. The caller will usually pose as someone from a legitimate organization, such as your bank or financial institution, and try to get you to give them sensitive information or private information over the phone.

SEO Poisoning

SEO poisoning is a type of phishing attack that uses search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to get a website to rank high in search engine results. The attacker will create fraudulent websites that look like legitimate companies' websites, but instead of containing legitimate information, the malicious website(s) will contain fake information or malware. When you click on the website link, you may download malware onto your computer without realizing it.

SMS Phishing (Smishing)

A smishing attack comes through an SMS message. These messages will usually include a link that looks legitimate, but it is not. It may even include an attachment that you think is okay to download, but it could be malware.

Typosquatting

With Typosquatting phishing attacks, attackers tries to catch people who type an incorrect website URL.

How to Avoid Phishing Attacks

Now that you know the different types of phishing attacks, here are some tips on how to avoid a successful phishing attack:

• Think! Were you expecting this link? Clicking on random emails or instant messages isn’t a smart move!
• Don't click!
• Be careful of suspicious emails, texts, and phone calls from people you do not know. Do not click on any links or download any attachments in these messages.
• If you are ever asked for personal information over the phone, hang up and call the organization back to confirm that they are the ones asking for your information.
• Check the website's URL to make sure it matches the organization you're trying to reach. If it differs even slightly, don't enter any personal information on that site.
• Install antivirus software and keep it up to date. This will help protect your computer from the malware that might be included in a phishing email or malicious link.
• Use a secure DNS
• Be wary of any emails that create a sense of urgency or offer something too good to be true. A reputable organization would never ask you to enter personal information over an email.
• Consider using Quad9. Quad9 is a website that can help protect you from phishing attacks. If you ever get a suspicious email, text, or phone call, you can check the Quad9 website to see if the link or phone number is safe. Quad9 also helps protect your computer from malware and other harmful viruses.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from phishing attacks and keep your data safe. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be vigilant and always double-check the source before clicking on any links or entering personal information. If you think you might have fallen victim to a phishing attack, contact your bank or other financial institutions immediately to protect your accounts. Staying informed and taking the necessary precautions is the best way to stay safe from phishing attacks.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks are becoming more and more common, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid falling victim to one. The most important thing is to be aware of the different types of phishing attacks and what they look like. If you receive an email or text message that looks suspicious, don't click on any links, and do not enter any personal information until you are sure it's legitimate. You can also protect yourself by using strong passwords and not sharing them with anyone. And if you're ever unsure about whether something is legitimate or not, err on the side of caution and reach out to the person or organization directly to verify before taking any action.

References

• Top Phishing scams and how to protect against them in 2022: https://www.mygreatlearning.com/blog/top-phishing-scams-and-how-to-protect-against-them/