Phishing Scams and Their Dangers

If there is one trend we want our followers and customers to be aware of, it is the danger of Phishing Scams. Be safe and be prepared, they can be incredibly dangerous to you and your personal information. 

A phishing scam is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information like usernames, passwords, and cred card information by hackers by the use of disguising themselves as a trustworthy form like emails or text messages. If a hacker is successful in gaining this information it could lead to the hacking of your email account, your bank accounts, and any other sensitive information of yours that is password protected. Thousands of these attacks are launched every day and are very successful. In one year it was estimated by the FBI that thirty million dollars was lost to phishing schemes. 

These phishing emails and texts are often disguised as companies and organizations that you know, trust, and use often. One such popular phishing scam that has recently been discovered was that one of these dangerous hackers was using the cover that they were actually Netflix trying to upgrade or renew subscribers' accounts and asking for their credit card information. A lot of people fell for it because it looked very legitimate and a lot of people have Netflix accounts. But these phishing scams can also disguise themselves to look like they are contacting you from your bank, your credit card company, your favorite social media apps, and your favorite online shopping websites. Amazon has been used as a disguise for phishing scams too. 

But how are so many people falling prey to these attacks? Shouldn't they be able to spot them? Honestly, one of the most dangerous things about them is how legitimate they look and how well written they are. Those behind the scams know how to tell a story or create a dialogue with you that you trust and believe and will lead you to click on a dangerous link, attachment, or have you put in your personal information. These phishing scams might even promise and offer free stuff, and who doesn't love free stuff? 

You need to make sure that you are taking steps in protecting yourself against these phishing scams. A multi-layer of protection is recommended. First off, Netcertpro is here to protect you and offer protection against these scams and if you happen to fall for or open up one of these messages. It's okay! Don't feel bad for falling for them. They are so common and so well done and taking over our inboxes that it's becoming more and more common to see. These hackers are putting up a good fight to get your information! 

Step One. You need to use security software for protection and make sure you update your software and computer as often as it is available. 

Step Two. Don't just protect your computer. Protect your cellphones and smart devices. Automatically allow your devices to update themselves. More often than not these updates have new and stronger forms of security, stability, and protection.

Step Three. Protect your sensitive information and accounts with multiple passwords and security questions. 

Step Four. Back up your data and make sure none of those backups are connected to your systems that you are backing up! 

If you believe you've received a phishing email or text don't just delete it. Report it. Forward the emails to the FTC (the Federal Trade Commission) at spam@uce.gov and to the anti-phishing working group at reportphishing@apwg.org. Tex messages can be forwarded to SPAM (7726) and report it at ftc.gov/complaint

Be smart, be aware, and be cautious. Phishing Scams will continue to be out there. Make sure you're protected before it's too late.