Phishing is a type of social engineering where the attacker steals confidential data, such as login credentials, card details, or passwords. Phishing is done over electronic means like emails or text messages that seem to have originated from unreliable sources.
There are different types of phishing ranging from classic email phishing to inventive phishing like smishing, spear phishing and more. Read to know more about the various types of phishing in cyber security.
Types of phishing attacks
Read below the different types and common techniques used for phishing attacks:
Smishing
Text messages containing malicious links that appear to have originated from trustworthy companies asking users to give out confidential information.
Vishing
Phone calls make users divulge their confidential details to fraudsters pretending to be from reliable organisations by using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Pharming
Modifies IP addresses and redirects users to false websites designed to look like the original iterations. The fraudsters gain access to the users' data when they enter their usernames and passwords on these fraudulent websites.
Loyalty frauds
Fraudsters can hack into loyalty members’ accounts and spend the accumulated loyalty points while gaining access to their personal information.
Session hijacking
Common in bank transactions, these phishing attacks are done by gaining unauthorised access to a system, thus effectively hijacking the computer session.
Content spoofing
Modifying parts of the content on a website that, when clicked, redirects users to malicious websites and gains their confidential data.
Whaling
Phishing scams targetting high-profile or senior executives, such as CEOs, CFOs, COOs, CIOs, etc.
How phishing works?
Phishing basically works by sending messages or emails containing fake websites that look like a legitimate company or organisation websites. On clicking the link, the user is asked to share personal details like credit card number. On doing so, the attacker will steal the information and misuse the credit card in fraudulent acts.
Identifying a phishing email
Here are a few ways to identify a phishing email:
Contains too-good-to-be-true offers.
Recipients in CC whom you do not recognise.
Suspicious attachments or links.
Has spelling or grammatical errors.
What happens when you reply or click on a phishing email?
Opening or clicking a phishing email may lead you to malicious websites that can gain access to your confidential data like bank or card details, login credentials and more.
How to protect yourself from phishing attacks?
Here are a few effective ways of phishing prevention:
Install an anti-phishing toolbar and update the browser regularly.
Install antivirus software and update it periodically.
Change account passwords regularly.
Enable desktop and network firewall.
Check website reliability and block pop-ups.
Individuals can avail of the cyber security plans through Bajaj Finance Insurance Mall to ensure complete security of their devices against cybercrimes, such as phishing, unauthorised transactions, payment-related frauds and more.
CPP Group India offers add-on benefits of cyber security cover.
Card Protection Plans and their benefits
Card Protection plans are a preventive measure against payment card-related frauds and scams. It is like having insurance where you can claim the damage / loss suffered if and when you fall victim to cybercrimes or other card-related scams.
Key benefits of CPP:
Fraud protection
Block compromised cards
Emergency cash advances
Travel and hotel expense assistance
Cover multiple family members
Avail of the suitable cyber security cover and stay financially secure against any cyber attacks.
