Phishing has become a significant problem for many companies worldwide. The main reason for this concern is its ability to deliver digital attacks that lead to issues such as ransomware, credential theft, and viruses.
Sending phishing attacks through email is one of the most common methods used by cybercriminals. Social media has also grown to become a popular choice for attackers; Statista reports that social media accounts for 23.6% of phishing attacks, making it the second-highest targeted industry after finance.
With fraudulent social media accounts running rampant nowadays, it only makes sense to learn how to combat these social phishing attacks to avoid being a victim. Let’s look at the best ways we at BetterWorld Technology recommend staying protected against phishing attempts.
1. Be Careful when Opening Links Shared on Social Media
Links are a common channel for delivering cyber-attacks on social media. Users should avoid opening URLs, particularly those that have been shortened. Clicking on these links can easily lead you to a phishing website where you’ll be asked to download malware onto your device.
2. Make Your Profile and Friends List Private
Public profiles are easy for phishing scammers to target because it allows them to learn about who you are. Cybercriminals can easily clone a profile of someone you know and pretend to be them to get what they want.
3. Don’t Accept Friends Requests from People You Don’t Know
Given that your friends on social media can see your details and maybe your friends’ list, it’s essential to do your research first before accepting friend requests that come your way. Make sure you only accept people you know in real life.
4. Be Wary of Links
Research all links before clicking on them. The ScanURL website is one way to learn about a link’s safety.
5. Don’t Participate in Social Media Surveys or Quizzes
Many social media surveys or quizzes are designed to trick users. It’s best to avoid them if you want to minimize the chances of becoming a phishing victim.
6. Avoid Purchasing Directly from Ads
Instead of clicking on ads to buy a product, you should head to the store’s website directly and purchase from there.
Conclusion
Avoiding phishing attacks is crucial, especially since mistakes can easily lead to significant consequences. By following the tips provided above, you should have a general idea of what not to do to prevent these attempts from being successful.
We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for help with IT security in Chicago, Washington DC, Florida, New York, and more. Get in touch with our team at BetterWorld Technology to learn more about how to combat phishing attacks and more.