‘Spear-phishing’ Cyberattacks? Common Sense Computer Defense

Statistically, cyberattacks increase from Black Friday through New Year’s Day. One common method of attack is called “spear-phishing” because YOU are the specific target! Appearing like a friend or trusted entity; luring you to open emails with false package tracking information, low airfare deals, and “too good to be true” gift or credit card offers.

Though these attacks are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect, here are six simple, common sense ways to defend yourself against spear-phishing:

1. Practice good email hygiene and look for…

a. Poor grammar

b. Misspelled words

c. Unusual web links or email address

2. Check email message headers and domains names—Hover your mouse cursor over the email address or a link in the email. Does it look legitimate? Take a look at these two examples. Clearly NOT originating from eBay or Mastercard!

3. Think BEFORE clicking links or opening attachments—This is a primary way that attackers infect your computer with malware! If you get a “phishy” unexpected email from your bank, a company you do business with, a friend, a family member, or anyone else, make some inquiries to verify before you bite on “click-bait.” Taking a few minutes to double check saves you the time, money, and hassle of cleaning up the mess resulting from a malware infection.

4. Guard your personal information—Attackers make urgent requests for confidential, personal information such as: usernames, passwords, account numbers, PINs, and access codes. Neither real businesses, nor the government will request confidential personal information through email. If a friend or family member is asking you…call them and find out why!

5. If it seems too good to be true…it probably is—Experience in life, common sense, intuition, that little voice in your head; sometimes you just get a bad feeling about something. Feel that email is “hinky”? Listen to yourself and delete that email or send it straight to your spam/junk folder!

6. Stay Protected—Always keep your antivirus software current and running, and install a firewall as an additional layer of protection.

Not sure if your antivirus software is current? How do you know if a firewall is installed? Contact me at info@3nsg.com to discuss your computer security concerns.

#TechTips #Spear_Phishing #cyberattacks #computersecurity #lifehacks