Email Phishing scams are carried out online by tech-savvy con artists and identity theft criminals. They use spam, fake websites constructed to look identical to real sites, email and instant messages to trick you into divulging sensitive information, like bank account passwords and credit card numbers. Once you take the phisher's bait, they can use the information to create fake accounts in your name, ruin your credit, and steal your money or even your identity.
This style of identity theft is extremely widespread because of the ease with which unsuspecting people share personal information. Phishing scams often lure you with spam email and instant messages requesting you to "verify your account" or "confirm your billing address" through what is actually a malicious Web site. Be very cautious. Phishers can only find you if you respond.
After you've responded to a phishing scam, the attacker can:
Phishers often pretend to be legitimate companies. Their messages may sound genuine and their sites can look remarkably like the real thing. It can be hard to tell the difference, but you may be dealing with a phishing scam if you see the following:
When you arm yourself with information and resources, you're wiser about computer security threats and less vulnerable to phishing scam tactics. Take these steps to fortify your computer security and get better phishing protection right away:
An unprotected computer is like an open door for email phishing scams. For a more potent form of protection, use a spam filter or gateway to scan inbound messages. Products like Webroot Spy Sweeper® and Webroot Internet Security Essentials thwart dangerous malware before it can enter your PC, stand guard at every possible entrance of your computer and fend off any spyware or viruses that try to enter, even the most damaging and devious strains. While free anti-spyware and antivirus downloads are available, they just can't keep up with the continuous onslaught of new spyware strains. Previously undetected forms of spyware can often do the most damage, so it's critical to have up-to-the-minute, guaranteed protection.
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Running simulated phishing tests will determine your employees' susceptibility to social engineering and phishing scams. Train your employees and help them identify spear phishing and ransomware attacks.