What's phishing means?

Phishing is a type of cybercrime where attackers attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data, by impersonating legitimate organizations or authority figures. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

• Fake Websites: Attackers create websites that closely resemble real ones, tricking users into entering their credentials.

• Data Theft: When users log in to these fake sites, their information is captured and stored by the attackers.

• Redirecting Users: After entering their information, users may be redirected to the actual website, often without realizing they’ve been deceived.

• Widespread Attacks: Phishing can target many individuals at once, while a more personalized attack on a specific person is known as spear phishing.

To protect yourself from phishing, it's essential to be aware of these tactics and remain vigilant when conducting online transactions. Always verify the authenticity of websites before entering any personal information.

To protect yourself from phishing crimes, you can follow these five essential steps:

1. Make a list of all your sensitive accounts:

   • Identify accounts that hold significant personal information, such as email, social media, financial services, and health services. Consider the potential consequences if any of these accounts were compromised.

2. Get a password manager and learn to use it:

   • A password manager helps you create and store unique, long passwords for each account. Aim for passwords that are 16 to 20 characters long to enhance security.

3. Ensure you have two-factor authentication enabled:

   • Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for all sensitive accounts. Keep backup codes in a safe place as a contingency if you lose access to your second factor.

4. Be mindful of unusual requests:

   • Stay alert for unexpected requests to open web addresses, especially those related to your sensitive accounts. Use bookmarks or speed dials for trusted sites and manually type URLs instead of clicking on links.

5. Pay attention to browser warnings:

   • If your browser warns you that a page could be fraudulent, take it seriously. Always check the address bar to confirm you are on the correct site, as it is a crucial security indicator.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to phishing attacks. Stay vigilant and practice good security hygiene!