Be Cyber Aware
Staying safe online requires everyone to increase their level of cyber awareness. Keeping the scammers and bad actors from reaching your personal information and online identity is an ongoing process. Learning about the methods commonly used to trick people into divulging personal data or permitting access into networks and systems helps you combat viruses and malware. Thinking before you click helps you stay safe online.
Phishing
Phishing is one of the easiest forms of cyber attack for a criminal to carry out.
Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information or data, such as usernames, passwords and credit card details, by disguising oneself as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.
Typically carried out by email spoofing, instant messaging, and text messaging, phishing often directs users to enter personal information at a fake website which matches the look and feel of the legitimate site.
- A Short Guide for Spotting Phishing Attempts
- Phishing: How Criminal Lure You In
- Types of phishing attacks and how to identify them
Social Engineering
Social engineering is the art of manipulating people to access confidential information.
The types of information these criminals are seeking can vary, but when individuals are targeted the criminals are usually trying to trick you into giving them your passwords or bank information, or access your computer to secretly install malicious software that will give them access and control over your computer.
Criminals use social engineering tactics because it is usually easier to exploit your natural inclination to trust than it is to discover ways to hack your software.
