Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks: Tips for Staying Safe Online - By Dr Pritam Gajkumar Shah

2023-01-31

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that aims to trick individuals into giving sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal details, to the attacker. This is typically accomplished through the use of fake emails, websites, and messages that appear to be from a legitimate source.

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to a phishing attack:

Be wary of unsolicited emails: If you receive an email from an unknown source, be cautious before clicking on any links or downloading any attachments.

Check the sender's email address: Phishing emails often use a similar email address to the one they are pretending to be. Check the sender's email address carefully, especially if it is an email from a financial institution or other sensitive organization.

Don't enter personal information into an email: Legitimate organizations will never ask you to enter personal information into an email.

Look for secure websites: Before entering any sensitive information online, look for the "https" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar.

Keep software and security systems up-to-date: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and security software to protect yourself from the latest threats.

Be skeptical of messages or emails requesting immediate action: Phishing attacks often create a sense of urgency to trick the victim into acting quickly.

Report suspicious emails or messages: If you receive an email or message that you suspect may be a phishing attack, do not respond to it and report it to the organization it is claiming to be from.

By following these tips and being cautious of any suspicious messages, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to a phishing attack. If you think you may have been a victim of phishing, take steps to secure your accounts and change any passwords that may have been compromised.