HomeCyberBustHow To Detect Email Phishing Attempts (Like A Geek!)

How To Detect Email Phishing Attempts (Like A Geek!)

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In this post, we will show you how to detect email phishing attempts on your computer. Also, we will reveal proactive measures against phishing attempts.

More than 30% of all cyber attacks are phishing. That's an incredible figure, and it's something the cyber crooks love. It's loved because of its ease and efficacy.

What Is Email Phishing?

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack. It is intended to lead you to an illegitimate website designed very similarly to the original website. Hackers send you emails and put their links. Once you click the link and enter your information, your information is gone.

Also, Phishing attacks are so rampant that half of all internet users get at least one phishing email per day.

It is however sad that most people can't identify an email intended at phishing. This should not be so, because it's a great threat to our information. In this article, you're going to learn how to detect publishing emails.

How Phishing Emails Work?

A hacker may send you an email telling you you've lost access to the target account. They include a malicious link for you to update your details to gain back access.

Once you click that link, one of two things may happen.

It's either you are redirected to a page designed exactly like the target page and all information you enter gets stolen, or.

You are taken to the actual page. However, a cookie stealer is installed in the background. So when you're done entering your information, an XSS attack occurs and the hackers get unauthorized access to your account.

EXPLORE: 15 Tips to Protect Your Privacy Online

How To Detect Email Phishing Attempts

Before taking any action on any emails you receive, check for the following signs.

  • The email address of the sender

Most people make this mistake, no legitimate organization will send you an email from a public domain address, (@gmail.com). Google will send you an email from @google.com and PayPal is service@paypal.com or similar. Otherwise, discard the mail.

  • Check For Grammatical Errors

Most of these hackers don't speak English as a native language, so it is almost certain that their mail will contain a grammatical error. They may use a spellchecker to filter spelling errors, but the grammatical error is almost certain but not always.

  • Contains Suspicious Links and Attachments

Every time, a phishing email will contain a link to a website where you're expected to enter your information or an attachment you are expected to download it to your computer. This attachment will later cause malware to your computer or you may lose your information when you click the link.

  • Check the Salutation

This is another place where hackers fail. Truth is, they don't know your name. PayPal will salute you with your name. However, these hackers write something like “Valued Customers,” etc.

  • Beware Of Urgency

Hackers will usually create a sense of urgency, usually prompting you to take action “now!” When you receive emails like this, be careful.

READ ALSO: Risks Of Cryptojacking In Mobile Devices

What Are Proactive Measures Against Email Phishing Attempts?

Now that you can identify what is a phishing email, what do you do when you receive them?

Once you receive a phishing email, you might have opened it, but don't click any link or download any file to your computer.

Also, if you're skeptical of the authenticity of a link, you can hover your mouse over it and get the link information. If you're on a mobile phone, touch and hold the link and it will bring the URL.

On the other hand, you can use a cyber-fraud service such as SpyCloud which can hunt down any cyber-fraud incidents. Also, you should make use of strong antivirus software such as Avira Antivirus, Airo Antivirus for Mac, Kaspersky Antivirus, Heimdal Security, Panda Free Security, F-Secure Total, and others.

These are the best ways by which you can prevent phishing email attacks.


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Daniel Segun
Daniel Segunhttp://techsegun.com
Daniel Segun is the Founder and CEO of SecureBlitz Cybersecurity Media, with a background in Computer Science and Digital Marketing. When not writing, he's probably busy designing graphics or developing websites.

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