Spelling mistakes, strange grammar, urgent or threatening language, and a lack of context are all signs of phishing attacks. These scams can be difficult to recognize, as they require significant time and planning from attackers who thoroughly analyze their target’s past communications. This attention to detail makes the attacks incredibly convincing and successful. One common tactic used by scammers is to exploit current events. For example, they may send an email appearing to be from the UK’s National Health Service offering a free COVID-19 test, when in reality, it is a ploy to gather personal information through a fake form.
Falling victim to a scam can happen in an instant, even to IT professionals. Imagine receiving an innocent-looking email with a link that you’re told to click on urgently. After clicking the link, a sense of unease washes over you, and you realize that it was all a scam. What do you do now? Here are some tips on what to do after taking the bait.
First and foremost, do not provide any further information. If you received an email from an online store that raises suspicions but clicked on the link anyway, refrain from sharing any additional information. This means not inputting your credentials or providing your bank account details. If scammers were only after your data and did not compromise your device with malware, you may have dodged the hook.
Next, disconnect your device from the internet. Some phishing attacks may give scammers access to your computer, mobile phone, or other devices. They can deploy malware, gather information about you and your device, or gain remote control. To mitigate the damage, act quickly by disconnecting the compromised device from the internet. Unplug the internet cable from your computer if you use a wired connection, or turn off Wi-Fi in your device settings or activate airplane mode on your mobile phone.
Disconnecting from the internet will prevent more data from being sent to the malicious server, but your data is still at risk. Back up your files, especially sensitive documents or those with high personal value like photos and videos. However, be cautious when backing up your data after being compromised, as the files may have already been infected with malware. Instead, regularly and preemptively back up your files. In case of a malware attack, you can recover your data from an external hard drive, USB stick, or cloud storage service.
After disconnecting and backing up your files, run a complete scan of your device using reputable antimalware software. You can also use ESET’s Free Online Scanner for a second scan. Download the scanner to your computer or a separate device like a USB hard drive, then install and run the software while disconnected from the internet. Don’t use the device during the scan and wait for the results. If the scanner detects suspicious files, follow the instructions to remove them. If there are no potential risks found but you still have doubts, contact your security vendor. It is essential to use multilayered, anti-malware software with anti-phishing features to protect yourself.
Consider resorting to a factory reset as a last resort. A factory reset will wipe all data on your device and restore it to its original state. However, some types of malware can persist even after a full reset. Regularly backing up your data is crucial, as phishing emails may trick you into divulging sensitive information. If you suspect that your login credentials have been compromised, change them immediately. It is especially important to use unique usernames and passwords for different online services to minimize the risk.
Contact your bank, authorities, and service providers if you provided bank/credit card details or login information for a website with access to your cards. Inform your bank to block or freeze your card to prevent future fraud. Check if your bank has a refund policy for scam victims. Additionally, report the scam to your local authorities and consider alerting one of the three credit bureaus in the US according to the US Federal Trade Commission.
If hackers have gained access to one of your accounts, review your social media accounts, bank information, and online shopping history. Look for any suspicious or unauthorized activity, report it, change your login credentials, and request a refund if necessary. Hackers may try to establish their presence in your account for as long as possible, so stay vigilant.
Check for unrecognized devices in your logged-in sessions on social media platforms. Force logout for any unknown devices to prevent scammers from further exploiting your accounts. It’s also important to notify your friends, contacts, service providers, and employer if your contact list has been compromised. If the cyberattack is related to your work accounts or employer-issued devices, report the incident to your manager and IT department according to your company’s rules.
Taking the bait and clicking on a phishing link can be alarming and may make you feel ashamed. However, these threats are becoming increasingly common, and hundreds of thousands of people fall victim to them every year in the US alone. By staying calm and following these tips, you are already one step ahead in protecting yourself. It’s important to be cautious and proactive when it comes to online security.
Additionally, it’s crucial to be mindful of where you download software from, as malware can easily be disguised as legitimate downloads. By being aware of the risks and taking appropriate measures to protect yourself, you can minimize the chances of falling victim to a phishing attack.
In conclusion, phishing attacks are a serious threat that can affect anyone, even IT professionals. Recognizing the signs and taking immediate action is essential to mitigate the damage. By following the tips provided, you can safeguard your personal information and minimize the risk of falling prey to scammers. Stay vigilant, back up your data regularly, use reputable antimalware software, and take prompt action if you suspect a phishing attack. Your online security is in your hands.