How to tell one and fight back
Phishing Attack
A phishing attack is a cyber-attack in which the hacker, mainly using emails, will trick its target into making him believe the email was coming from a reputable source with everything that makes it look like that company. The email often time will ask for some information: passwords, credit card, and other Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The attacker hopes the target will not pay attention and will provide the information being asked.
Usually, the cyber-criminal sends thousands of emails hoping at least someone will fall into the trap. These emails may contain a link that asks the user to do something like providing a username and password. Some email includes an attachment that, once opened, will install "malware" in the victim device, enabling the attacker to execute whatever the malware was tasked to do.
A phishing attack is the most effective means used to steal people's data. How to fight back: Several things can be done, but I will highlight two:
(a). Anytime you receive an email with an attachment, laser beam on the sender and make sure you know who he is.
(b). If an email has a link, especially asking you to do some info update, double-check its source before you do anything. Best, go to their website and do things from there, or call them if possible.
The other day I received an email from Facebook about "logging into FB with one click." I was hesitant since it had a link embedded in it. But then I remember Facebook has this feature where you can go in your profile and check for all emails that Facebook has sent you. I did just that, and I noticed, their email was in the list. Below are the steps to check for emails received on Facebook
Studies have found that anyone with an email address will receive at least one malicious email every week on average. So, without a doubt, the odds of falling into the phishing attack trap are high.
So, whenever you got an email, don't act as if this is your bonanza. Do some sanity checks.
How to check the list of email Facebook has sent you; this is good when suspecting a phishing attack when received an email claiming to be from Facebook
(a). Access your Facebook account
(b). Go to Settings and Privacy; select settings
(c). Click on Security and Login of the left pane of the window
(d). Scroll down the page to locate "See recent emails from Facebook" and click on that
(e). If the new page does not show up, go to the address bar on your browser, and hit enter on it to refresh, you should then be able to see the email list, if any.
A bon entendeur, salut!
Doc Pub: KS006