Phishing: recognizing and protecting against it
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Phishing isn't about patience on the shore of a lake. It's more like big game fishing... where your company is the fish! Every day, cyber-pirates throw out their lines in the form of fraudulent e-mails, hoping that someone in a hurry or tired will take the bait. And let's face it, a simple click can turn a great day into a major crisis.
But don't panic! There's no need to unplug all your computers. There are some highly effective ways of protecting yourself. In this guide, we explain how to turn your company into a fortress and your teams into vigilant bodyguards. Ready to pull up the net?
Definition of phishing
So, what exactly is phishing? Imagine a hacker digitally disguises himself as your bank, Netflix, the Post Office or even your CEO. He then sends you a message designed to panic you just enough to make you act without thinking. The aim of the phishing e-mail is always the same: to trick you into clicking on a booby-trapped link or downloading a malicious attachment.
Once you've clicked, the trap closes. The fake website, an exact copy of the original, invites you to enter your login details, passwords or credit card numbers. And that's it, the hacker has stolen the keys to your digital life. It's simple, devilishly effective, and one of the most common cyberattacks in existence.
The different types of phishing
Hackers are creative. They've adaptedphishing to all kinds of uses. Here's an overview of the most popular phishing attacks.
Email phishing
The classic phishing attack. You receive a fraudulent e-mail that looks official, telling you about an invoice, a security problem on your account or a miraculous win. The message contains a link or attachment that you should never, never open.
Phishing by SMS (smishing)
"Your package could not be delivered, click here to reschedule". You've already received this SMS, haven't you? It's "smishing" (SMS + phishing). The scam in your pocket, designed to get you to click on a malicious link from your mobile, a device where you're often less vigilant.
Phishing phone calls (vishing)
"Hello, this is the maintenance technician!" Voice phishing takes place over the phone. A very convincing caller pretends to be your banker or an IT technician. The aim: to pressure you into divulging personal information live.
Phishing on social networks
Fake profiles and private messages are the ideal playground for scammers. The notorious "Brat Pitt" contacting you for money? A friend sends you a link to a "hilarious" video without any context? Beware: this is often a phishing attempt to hack into your account.
Spear phishing
Here we move on to the Heavyweight category. The spear phishing is the sniper's attack. No more mass mailings, the hacker has done his homework. He has investigated his victim (a specific person or company ) and uses personal and professional information to craft an ultra-credible message. Spear phishing is the haute couture version ofphishing, and its damage is often considerable.
How to recognize phishing?
Good news: you can become a real anti-phishing detective. Most attempts, no matter how clever, leave clues behind.
Signs of a fraudulent message
- Urgency (panic on board!): Messages that cry wolf ("ACTION REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY", "Your account will be closed") are designed to short-circuit your thinking.
- The wonderful promise: No, you didn't win 1 million euros in a lottery you didn't enter. If it's too good to be true, it's probably a scam.
- The odd sender: Take a closer look at the e-mail address."service@netfl1x.com" or"support-client@votrebnaque.com"? These typos are giant red flags.
- Spelling mistakes: A message riddled with spelling and grammatical errors is unlikely to come from a serious institution.
- The impersonal greeting: Your bank knows your name. If an e-mail starts with "Dear Customer", be suspicious.
Tips for detecting phishing attempts
- Play spy with the links (without clicking!): On your computer, hover your mouse over the link. The actual URL will be displayed. If it looks suspicious, don't click.
- Attachment paranoia is your friend: An unexpected invoice? An unsolicited report? Don't open ANY attachment if you're not 200% sure of its origin.
- Check urgency: If the email seems urgent, use another source to confirm the information (phone, slack message, etc.).
- Update regularly: It may sound basic, but remember to keep your computers and software up to date.
Techniques used by cybercriminals
Behind every phishing attack are two fundamental techniques.
Social engineering
This is the art of psychological manipulation. Hackers play on your emotions: fear of losing your account, greed, curiosity...Social engineering is the science of getting you to divulge information of your own free will, by exploiting your trust.
Identity theft
This is the great art of digital disguise. Criminals create fake websites that are the evil twins of the real thing. The logo, the colors, the font - it's all there. The aim of this identity theft is to lull you into giving up your data without hesitation.
The consequences of phishing
Taking the bait is no trivial matter. The consequences can be serious.
Theft of personal data
This is the main loot. Your logins and passwords can be used to empty your accounts, make purchases in your name or be resold on the dark web.
Financial losses
From a simple fraudulent debit on your card to the transfer of thousands of euros from your company account, the financial impact can be devastating.
Damage to reputation
For a victimized company, it's a double knockout: not only do you have to deal with the crisis, but customer confidence evaporates faster than a spilt coffee.
How can I protect myself against phishing?
Enough is enough, let's get down to solutions! Building your digital fortress is easier than it looks.
IT security best practices
That's the basis. Good digital hygiene is essential. Use strong, unique passwords, activate two-factor authentication wherever possible, and keep up to date. These reflexes are the pillars of effective cybersecurity.
The use of protection tools and software
Bring out the heavy artillery! A good anti-phishing filter on your mailbox, a high-performance antivirus and a well-configured firewall are your best allies. These are the cybersecurity tools you need to block the majority of threats without even realizing it.
Awareness-raising and training
The secret weapon, the ultimate bulwark... is you! And your teams. An informed user is worth two. Regularly training your staff to recognize phishing attacks (with simulations, it's even more effective!) turns your weakest link into your greatest strength.
How does _rzilient help you prevent phishing?
At _rzilient, we're not in the business of letting you face the sharks alone. Our mission is to make phishing protection simple and accessible. We take care of everything:
- The technical shield: We make sure you have the right filtering and protection tools to block threats.
- Troop training: We offer training andphishing simulations to turn your teams into real security ninjas.
- Experts to the rescue: A doubt? An alert? We're here to respond and react quickly in the event of a problem.
How to react to phishing attacks
OK, the worst has happened, you've clicked. Above all, don't panic! Here's the emergency plan to limit the damage:
- Change your passwords ON THE FIELD: first the compromised account, then all accounts sharing the same password (we know you have them!).
- Contact your Security Manager or IT manager: pass on the information quickly so that the IT department can take company-wide protective measures.
- Disconnect your computer: Use this reflex to slow the spread of the attack and cut off your device from any network.
