How to protect yourself from phishing attacks via mobile phones

Mobile phones are a great gadget, and it has marked a huge change in the lives of each of us. Combined with the Internet, smart phones help users have access to a huge amount of data whenever you need it.

Unfortunately, that access also makes users' personal data vulnerable to leakage. Although it may seem trivial, but with just a bit of information, cyber criminals can trick you into revealing more valuable data, such as bank details or passwords. One such way is called phishing, and now it is becoming more and more popular.

Although powerful security features have been equipped on both iOS and Android phones, smartphones are difficult to protect users from fraudulent attempts from cyber criminals. Do not let smart phones cause financial damage or worse. This is how you can protect yourself from phishing attacks via mobile phones.

Phishing through messages

Texting is one of the most popular methods of communication - and that makes SMS an attractive target for many scammers. SMS phishing - known as smishing - follows many typical phishing rules. Each message contains an Internet URL, which usually takes you to a fake, true copy of the bank website or some other website that requires you to log in. When you log in to your account, you actually give the attacker the information they need. Sometimes, you will be prompted to download something, allowing an attacker to infect the system with malware. Since then, the crook has the information or control they need and you have officially become a victim.

It is also easy to avoid being fooled by these scams. Stay alert. Scammers will hit your greed or fear and try to use them to force you to act without any thought time. Please take a moment to see the message you have received, then try to discover any of the following:

1. Spelling, punctuation, or grammar.
2. Lack of specific greetings (ie using very general vocative words instead of your name).
3. The offer is appealing to suspicious levels.
4. Do not give you time to consider and urge you to act now.
5. This company or person has never contacted you this way before.
6. The incoming number seems suspicious.
7. Lack of personal information: Legitimate companies never ask for information via text messages.

Of course, the methods in the list above are incomplete, and if you have any doubts, don't act like the messages in the message, nor ever touch any link in the message. . Instead, if it's a message about an account you're holding, contact that company directly and don't use the text link or phone number. If the message says it is from your bank, use the number from the back of the card or visit the bank website independently of your web browser. For tax services and agencies, contact them by phone number, email address or authorized website.

For suspicious suggestions to be suspicious, just ignore them. In general, life has no such thing as free lunch. If you are sure a message is a scam, be sure to block the contact so it doesn't have a chance to bother you again. In addition, you can report that phone number to authorized authorities.

Phishing call

One of the most common phishing methods is direct phone calls. Phone scams - also known as vishing - relate to human factors and will often attack similarly to smishing. That means someone will pretend to be a banker, a tax agency, or anyone else trying to get valuable information.

As with all phishing attempts, there are several ways to find out if a call is legitimate.

1. You are required to share your PIN number or other personal information - your bank will never do this.
2. Good deals are suspicious.
3. The caller is trying to make you act without thinking.
4. The incoming number seems suspicious.

This list is not complete, and if you have any doubts, it is best to politely refuse and hang up.

After that, you need to verify again (call an official number) before revealing any personal information. It is a great way to avoid potential scams. Do not follow any instructions the caller provides unless you are absolutely certain that it is a legitimate call.

Like any phishing attempt through messages you find, make sure to block the phone number from contacting you and report it to the authorities.

Other phishing methods need attention

Phishing on social networks

We live in an age of connection and social networking is also a huge part of it. However, social networks are not safe. Previous trusted accounts can be hacked and not your fault, leading to ransom payments or information to scammers.

Always be alert to messages from friends related to money or seemingly odd messages - especially if those messages use link shortening services like bit.ly to hide the destination. Also, be careful with quizzes on social networks and other fun games. They can be used to gather information from yourself and even your friends. The recent Cambridge Analytica scandal is a clear warning of information that can be gleaned from social networks.

Phishing sites

If you've kept an eye on suspicious messages, you're less likely to interact directly with a phishing site. However, always be wary of fake fake websites, especially sites like banks and online stores.

Always make sure to check the URL you clicked through. For example: http://www.bank.example.com is not the same as http://www.bank.com - the first link will go to a specific page that looks like a bank website.

These signs are easy to see, but there are also URLs that contain smaller differences, including underscores and dashes. Another example, www.my-bank.com and www.my_bank.com are two very different websites - but easily confused at first sight. When in doubt, do not hesitate to double-check and use a known URL.

Preventive measures

Conventional security measures are difficult to combat phishing, simply because it is usually just a phone call you receive or a cunning website you visit. However, there are many ways to try and make sure you are not trapped.

Only install applications from trusted sources

To avoid unauthorized applications from capturing your data, it's best to download only mobile applications from reputable providers. For those who own Android phones, choose Google Play Store, but for those who own iPhone and iPad, Apple App Store is the first choice.

Although some third-party applications are legitimate, it still has certain risks and a malicious application can attack you at any time. Google and Apple security features have been tested and tested. Of course they give very good results. If you use Android, you should install an antivirus application to ensure safety.

Turn on Caller ID or other services

Many carriers now offer a free service that highlights phishing calls and many phones now have integrated call recognition capabilities. These services allow you to report phishing calls to a central database. If your phone doesn't have built-in, consider downloading the Should I Answer app for Android or Truecaller for iOS.

Be wary and think carefully

There is no advice or application to replace people's consciousness, so please always take a moment to reflect on what you are provided. If something good comes suspicious, it may be a scam. If someone is trying to force you to make a quick decision, or request confidential information, it is more likely that it is a fraud. Be careful and always think carefully. Hope you will not become a victim of any scam.

See more:

1. What is Spear Phishing?
2. Anti-phishing by game
3. How Phishing works