What is Phishing and How Can You Prevent It?

by Technical Writer Writer , Blogger

Phishing is fast turning out to be one of the most common threats to computers and networks today. Scammers use this technology to attack any system of value that they come across. Many users fall victim to phishing due to a lack of awareness and knowledge. Clone phishing in Los Angeles and neighboring regions could have been common if they weren’t avoidable. Users can avoid falling for phishing attempts if they know what to do to avoid them.

- Understand Phishing

Probably the best way to avoid phishing is by knowing what an attempt looks like. Each day, newer cyber threats are emerging, phishing being one of them. You will find phishing threats personalized to influence you to take action. Once you do, you end up giving access to the threat. The most common type of phishing attempt is that it persuades you to do what the scammer wants. A click can give complete access to your system and so on.

The hacker now has access to your system and is free to do pretty much anything he wants. Any piece of information present on your system is now accessible to the hacker. A compromised system can lead to data theft and compromised privacy. Some threats are masked clicking which also leaves your system and data vulnerable. You will find such threats online everywhere, even on social media. These schemes are baits that require you to click on the desired link so they can steal your data and even your social security number.

- How To Avoid?

Avoid clicking links that you are not familiar with. There is a long list of suspicious links that you must avoid. Links are sent through email, instant message links, and suspicious social media pages that look fake. You can avoid clicking by hovering your mouse cursor over the link to establish if it is from a reliable sender.

- Install Anti Phishing Tools

Nearly all famous internet browsers these days come with anti-phishing tools. Many of these tools are installed in your system with the browser. They keep a check on the internet traffic and block unnecessary pop-ups. They also prevent malicious sites from running on your system.

- Avoid Giving Your Information

Information is a common phenomenon these days. Ensure not to provide your sensitive information to sites unless they are authentic. Passing information on email sites, social media sites might not harm your system, but sites other than these may be suspicious.

- Regularly Change Passwords

One of the easiest ways to protect your system from phishing attempts is by regularly changing your passwords. Do this once every two weeks minimum. Changing passwords more frequently will reduce your chances of suffering a phishing attempt.

- Install System Updates And Patches

The maker of your computer provides patches and system security updates from time to time. Install those regularly, so your system stays up to date and protects all the way. Following these tips will surely protect your system even though attempts of clone phishing in Los Angeles and neighboring areas are rising.