Even if you have security software, phishing emails will leave exposed to ransom wares. The phishing emails have become too common nowadays. This has continued to cost businesses and individuals a lot of money. Cyber criminals use phishing emails to get access to private and confidential information such as your passwords, credit cards, and other private information. Other than phishing emails, hackers use phone calls, social media to steal your private information. Do not fall victim to these online scams. You need to know what phishing emails look like to stay safe. Companies should be able to block these spoofing emails before they reach their customers. The following phishing awareness tips will help you identify these emails:
1. Never Trust The Display Name
Most hackers use a common strategy which is to trick the display name of the email. These emails may look legitimate, but it if looks suspicious just flag it off. Do not trust the display name.
2. Poor Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
Most phishing emails are full of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Legitimate companies would never send out emails or information with grammar and spelling mistakes. If you receive an email with these mistakes, it should raise your suspicion. If you get suspicious about it, do not click it.
3. Seeking Personal Information
Regardless of how genuine an email may look, never click on an email that requests you for your personal information. Legitimate accounts will not bother you asking for your account number when they already have it. They will request you for passwords or credit card numbers. If you get an email requesting for such kind of information, know that it phishing. Never share your private information with anybody most especially online.
4. The Offer Sounds Too Good
If you receive these emails with offers that are too good to be true. Please avoid them. These emails have unrealistic promises that turn out to be nothing but just a trick. Another way you can point out a scam is if they address you as ‘esteemed customers’, “valued customer”, “sir/madam” or any other phrase. Legitimate emails from genuine companies will personalize the message. They will address you by your name.
5. Threatening and Urgent Messages
Hackers will send messages that claim that your account has been hacked and that you should urgently follow a link to restore it. This asks you for personal information. Legitimate companies do not ask you for personal information over the internet even if your account was closed. Cyber criminals use the tactic of urgency to instill fear in you and so that you can act promptly.
6. Check the Signature or Contacts
A legitimate company will give you a way to contact them back in their emails. Additionally, messages sent by genuine companies do have signatures. One of the ways you can identify a phishing email is if it lacks these two important aspects.
7. Always Double Check
Do not believe everything you see. No matter how much the email is convincing, ensure that you double check. You can contact your service providers where necessary just to make sure it is from them. If you are suspicious about the email, again do not open it.
8. Never Click The Attachments
Hackers use malicious attachments with malware and viruses. If you click them they damage your files in the computer, retrieve your passwords and monitor you without your knowledge. Do not click on these attachments that you do not their origin.
You need to protect yourself from cyber criminals by being vigilant. Read more phishing awareness tips to help you stay safe.
The post Tips To Spot A Phishing Or Spoofing Email appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
No comments:
Post a Comment