Phishing is one of the biggest threats in today’s digital world. It represents one of the most common and effective methods used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card information, or even to install malware on users’ computers . But what exactly is phishing, and how can we protect ourselves against this threat? In this article, we will explore in detail what phishing is and how to protect against it.
What is phishing ?
The term “phishing” is a play on words inspired by the word “fishing”. This refers to the colorful technique of cybercriminals, who virtually throw their hooks to catch victims. Concretely, phishing is a social engineering technique used by malicious individuals to deceive users into disclosing personal or confidential information. This is usually done by impersonating trusted entities, such as banks, companies, online services or even work colleagues.
How does phishing work ?
The phishing process often begins with receiving an email, text message, or social media post that appears to come from a trusted entity. This message usually contains a link to a fake website identical to that of a real company or service. When the victim clicks on the link and enters their personal information, such as their username and password, it is sent directly to cybercriminals.
How to protect yourself against phishing ?
To protect against phishing, it is necessary to train yourself to detect malicious emails quickly and effectively. First of all, it is essential to be vigilant about suspicious emails, messages or links. It is important to remain cautious, especially when these communications request sensitive information or immediate action. Additionally, before clicking on a link in an email, it is recommended to carefully check the URL to ensure that it leads to an authentic site. Using two-factor authentication (2FA) is also an effective defense against phishing. By enabling this feature, it becomes more difficult for attackers to hack your online accounts. By following these tips, you can significantly strengthen your protection against phishing attacks and reduce the risk of your personal and business information being compromised.
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