What is Phishing?

What is Phishing and How to Avoid Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a cyber-attack method used to defraud internet users or steal their personal information. It is carried out through fake websites, emails, messages and other communication channels. Phishing is one of the most common cyber threats facing internet users today.

Phishing Attack Types

• Email Phishing

This type of attack is carried out through spoofed emails. Attackers forge official logos, signatures and other identifying features of corporate, government or financial organizations to gain the trust of victims. The emails often contain fake links asking victims to update or verify their personal or account information.

• Web-based Phishing

This type of attack is carried out through fake websites. Attackers create imitations of websites that victims use to access bank accounts, e-commerce sites, or other online accounts. These fake sites look and feel similar to the real sites, prompting users to enter their account details and other personal information.

• Social Media Phishing

This type of attack is carried out through fake social media accounts. Attackers impersonate real users to gain the trust of victims. These accounts are used to capture personal or account information through fake links, fake contests or other fraud tactics.

Phishing Methods

• Direct Attack

Attackers attack by directly accessing a user's email address or online account. This method is less common as attackers need to do research to target victims.

• Mass Attack

This method involves attackers sending fake emails to many users at the same time. Since this type of attack method is usually less personalized, attackers use it to reach a wider audience and gain more victims.

• Spear Phishing

This type of attack is directed at a specific person or group. By researching the behavior and characteristics of their targets, attackers create more personalized and convincing fake emails.

• Whaling

This type of attack targets senior executives. Attackers forge the identities of high-profile executives, such as CEOs or CFOs, and use them to obtain internal information.

How to Avoid Phishing Attacks

• Do not open suspicious emails

Do not open or click on emails from sources you do not know or trust.

• Use a secure internet browser

Use an up-to-date and trusted internet browser and utilize the browser's security features to detect and block fraudulent websites.

• Access trusted sites

Only access trusted websites and change your passwords regularly to keep your personal information safe.

• Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is an additional security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your account.

• Be careful

Be aware that there may be a scam behind very tempting offers or contests for a particular product or service on social media, in messages or other communication channels.

As a result, it is important to be informed and careful about phishing attacks to ensure the safety of internet users. To protect against such attacks, it is important to take steps to open messages from the right and trusted sources, use a secure internet browser and keep your personal information safe.