CYBER CRIMES: PHISHING

The internet is a network of computers filled with important and sensitive information. Cyber criminals want to get a hold of that information, so security engineers are constantly coming up with firewalls, software patches, and antivirus software. But if a cyber criminal can persuade a user to email their credentials, then cyber criminals don't need to put in any effort to break the walls of the security software. Fortunately, there are things users can do to protect their sensitive data. Let's learn more about how to be safer on the internet.

• A phishing attack typically starts with an email that claims to be from a respected website, like a bank’s or a store’s. You might see something like “Your PayPal Access is Blocked!” on your computer screen. They do it to get private information from the user, so it either asks the user to reply with personal information or it may link to a website that looks just like the original site. If the user is persuaded and enters private details like personal information or passwords on the site, that data is now in the hands of the cyber criminal. It can be used to make purchases or to blackmail the user using the personal information gained.

• Phishing emails will often come from addresses at domains that don't belong to a well-known company.

• Phishing emails use psychology to lower the user’s guard and forces the user to respond quickly without thinking through the consequences.

If you ever suspect an email, do not click on any links or download any attached files.