CODEFEND Q&A: WHAT ARE SOCIAL ENGINEERING AND PHISHING ATTACKS?
Social engineering is a tactic used by attackers to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing actions that may be harmful to themselves or their organization. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as deception, manipulation, and intimidation. Social engineering attacks can take many forms, including phishing, pretexting, baiting, and quid pro quo.
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that is used to trick individuals into providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identification numbers (PINs), or into performing actions that may be harmful to themselves or their organization. Phishing attacks are typically carried out through email, instant messaging, or social media, and often involve the use of spoofed or fake websites or email addresses to trick the victim into thinking that the message is legitimate.
Both Social Engineering and Phishing attacks are the most common way cyber criminals use to gain access to sensitive information or to execute a fraud.
It is important for individuals and organizations to be aware of these tactics and to take steps to protect themselves, such as being skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information, not clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, and reporting suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
CODEFEND Q&A: HOW TO PROTECT FROM PHISHING ATTACKS?
Be skeptical of unsolicited emails or messages: If you receive an email or message from an unknown sender, be cautious before clicking on any links or opening any attachments.
1) Look for signs of a phishing attack: Phishing emails and messages often contain spelling or grammatical errors, use a sense of urgency to pressure you into taking action, or ask for personal information.
2) Verify the sender’s identity: Before providing personal information or clicking on a link, verify that the sender is who they claim to be.
3) Use anti-phishing software and browser extensions: Anti-phishing software and browser extensions can help to identify and block phishing emails and websites.
4) Keep software and systems up to date: Make sure that your computer’s operating system and all software are up to date, as updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
5) Be cautious when using public WiFi: Avoid using public WiFi networks to access sensitive information, as these networks are often unsecured and can be easily compromised.
6) Train employees: Educate employees about phishing attacks and how to identify them, as well as the proper way to handle suspicious emails.
7) Be vigilant: Be vigilant and always be on the lookout for suspicious emails or messages, even if they appear to be from a legitimate source.
8) By being aware of these techniques, individuals and organizations can take steps to protect themselves from phishing attacks and minimize the risk of becoming a victim.
At codefend, we understand the importance of keeping your sensitive information secure. That’s why we offer comprehensive security services to help you identify and address vulnerabilities in your infrastructure before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.