Technology continuously changes, and phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated over the last few years. As a business owner, you should look for a Los Angeles IT support provider that specializes in combating against phishing attacks of all kinds.
Phishing 101
To begin, what exactly is a phishing scam? Phishing scams have been around since the mid-90s, and it is a type of fraud that tries to steal login information under the pretense of an official site. Usually, it is in the form of an e-mail, but it can also happen through instant message applications and other forms of communication. It is critical for your business to take the necessary steps to prevent becoming a victim of these malicious attacks.
How to Identify a Phishing Scam
Whenever you receive an e-mail, it is essential to ask yourself a few questions before replying or opening any attachments. Do I recognize the sender? Does the e-mail have any attachments? If it has an attachment, is there a “.exe” file located within that attachment? Are any links found throughout the e-mail? These are all important questions that can help you determine if the e-mail is legitimate. If you feel that you are not qualified to answer all of these questions, there is no reason to panic. If you believe that you may be a victim of a phishing attack, consider reaching out to Los Angeles IT support experts.
Pharming vs. Phishing Attacks
While phishing is targeted against an individual, pharming modifies DNS entries of an actual website. In other words, it redirects each visitor to a website that is specifically set up for you to enter personal information. This fraudulent site appears legit and you can lose your identity in a matter of seconds if you enter any forms of personal information.
Examples of Phishing Webpages & How to Report Them
Phishing websites can be created through a wide range of websites. For example, it can be any site that requires you to register and enter personal data. That can range from a social media website, a news web page, or even a sports site. Fortunately, the most common ways to report phishing scams is through Google, Symantec, or US-CERT. These websites keep a record of reported phishing scams and will enable other users to avoid becoming the next victim.
Phishing attacks are a growing epidemic, so it is important to be aware of the latest security threats. Being able to identify a phishing attack can save you much needed time and money. If you need help strengthening your cybersecurity, contact us at Vitalpoints. We are a Los Angeles-based IT support company that provides secure and top-tier IT services for a wide array of businesses.