Image Phishing Awareness Tips

Welcome back!

In this post, we're shedding light on the ever-evolving world of phishing attacks and helping you safeguard your organization from cybercriminals looking to prey on your employees. One of the recent phishing attack theme types to see an uptick in attempts and success rates is “image phishing.”

Picture this: you receive an innocuous-looking email with an image. Seems harmless, right? That’s what phishers are hoping you’ll think; it conceals hidden dangers. To protect you from falling victim to this trickery, we've compiled three essential tips to help you stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and avoid accidentally being tripped up by “image phishing.”

Tip 1: Hover before you click

Look before you leap. We all know the saying. Hover before you click! That might be a new one to some. Before you hastily click on any image in an email, take a moment to hover your cursor over it. By doing so, you'll reveal a destination URL (if one exists) in a preview window or at the bottom of your browser. Pay attention to this URL, as it may not match the email's intended message. If it looks suspicious or unfamiliar, exercise caution and resist the urge to click. Remember, one vigilant hover can save you from a world of trouble.

Tip 2: Analyze the email context

The devil is in the details, or in the case of image phishing, in the email itself. Cybercriminals often craft elaborate stories to lure unsuspecting victims into clicking on seemingly harmless images or hiding a URL within the image itself. Take a closer look at the email's context. Does the message create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement? Is the language poorly written or overly formal? Does the text resemble AI-generated content? These red flags can indicate a potential phishing attempt. Moreover, be wary of generic greetings like "Dear User" or misspellings in the email address or sender's name. Stay vigilant, and remember, a discerning eye can thwart even the most sophisticated image phishing ploy.

Tip 3: Keep software up to date

Cybersecurity is a never-ending battle, and keeping your software up to date is a vital weapon against phishing attacks. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to execute their nefarious plans. By regularly updating your operating system, web browsers, and security software, you'll fortify your defenses and stay one step ahead of potential threats. Enable automatic updates whenever possible, as they ensure you receive the latest patches and security fixes. By doing so, you'll create a formidable barrier designed to deter most image phishing attempts.

The Bottom Line

Congratulations! You've just equipped yourself with valuable knowledge to combat the treacherous world of image phishing. Remember to hover, analyze, and update to stay safe and secure in our hyper-digital world. By following these three tips, you can confidently navigate your email inbox, shielding yourself from the deceptive tactics of cybercriminals. Don't let them trick you into clicking that image! Stay vigilant. Together, we can outsmart the phishers and enjoy a safer online experience. Until next time, stay secure and keep phishing at bay!