October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a time for us all to channel our inner cyber superheroes. In the digital landscape, where data and dreams intertwine, there are cybercriminals lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. This year, we're calling on every citizen to embrace their power and help secure our online world. Today, we’re focusing on one of the most pervasive threats out there: phishing.
Phishing: Know Your Enemy
Phishing refers to the act of sending messages that seem to come from a trusted source to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on a malicious link. The good news? There are steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams.
Step One: Identify the Enemy
The first step to combating phishing is recognizing it. Use the SLAM method:
- Sender: Analyze the sender’s email address. Does it match the one you’re used to seeing from that contact, or does it have something slightly off about it?
- Links: Be wary of links. Hover over them before clicking to see where they lead. Strange or unexpected URLs are a major red flag.
- Attachments: Be cautious of unsolicited attachments. These can contain malware.
- Messaging: Look closely at the content of the email. If it contains urgent pleas, requests for personal information, or deals that sound too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.
Step Two: Take Action
Once you've spotted a phishing attempt, it’s time to act:
- Don’t engage. Instead, use your cyber tools to protect yourself. Report the email using a phishing plugin or the "Report Spam" button in your inbox.
- Alert the right people. If the phishing attempt looks like it’s from a legitimate company or a contact you know, reach out to them via an alternate communication method. Let them know they’re being impersonated.
- Follow internal protocol. Depending on your organization's policies, you may also need to report the phishing attempt to your IT department or manager.
Step Three: Eliminate the Threat
After reporting the suspicious email, simply delete it. Engaging with the message in any way—even clicking "unsubscribe"—can potentially trigger malware.
A New Threat on the Horizon: Spear Phishing
Wait a minute, what’s that? Just when you think you’ve defeated phishing, another, even trickier villain emerges: spear phishing.
Unlike broad phishing attempts that cast a wide net, spear phishing is targeted and personalized. These messages might look like they’re from your boss or a colleague. They often seem legitimate and urgent, playing on your emotions to prompt a quick response. With the help of AI and online research, cybercriminals may even include your name, job title, or mention a project you’re working on to make the message more convincing.
How to Protect Yourself Against Spear Phishing
If you receive a message that looks suspicious—especially one asking for sensitive information—take an extra step before responding. Verify the request by contacting the person directly using your usual method of communication or a different source from the one that reached out to you. This simple step can be the difference between falling for a scam and stopping it in its tracks.
Stay Vigilant and Stay Secure
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let's stand together as a community of cyber heroes. By recognizing phishing attempts, taking proactive action, and staying vigilant, we can shield our digital world from these threats. Remember, your awareness and quick action are powerful tools in keeping our online spaces safe.
Together, we can make a difference. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let’s keep our digital world secure.
If you do not currently have an IT provider or would like a second opinion on your network security, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to serve you in the Niagara Region and Simcoe County, 24/7/365.
Niagara: 905-228-4809
Barrie: 705-885-0993
Email: help@b4networks.ca
