An ex-hacker, known by the alias ‘404’, who began his unlawful online career at the age of 18, has recently shared his top tips for identifying scam emails and the importance of being cautious while sharing personal information online. 404, who is now a cybersecurity professional, highlighted phishing emails as the most common tool used by cybercriminals to deceive vulnerable individuals.
According to 404, tactics such as phishing, sending fake emails, and creating replica websites are employed to trick people into revealing personal and financial information. He advised individuals to be skeptical of unsolicited communications and to verify the authenticity of the sender before responding or providing any sensitive information.
One of 404’s key tips for spotting a deceptive email is to carefully examine the email address and ensure it is from a verified sender or organization. He also suggested paying attention to spelling and grammar mistakes in the email address, as these can often indicate a scam. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the contents of the message itself, looking for threatening language, generic greetings, and poor spelling or grammar.
404 also urged internet users to avoid clicking on links from unverified senders. He recommended hovering over the links without clicking to see where they lead, as this can help identify any suspicious or potentially harmful websites.
To avoid falling victim to online con artists, 404 stressed the significance of not oversharing personal information. He advised individuals to be aware of how exposed they are online and to refrain from sharing sensitive details such as full addresses, bank account information, national identification numbers, and family information on social media platforms or any other public forums.
Furthermore, 404 encouraged the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and secure trusted devices to protect against unauthorized access. He suggested regularly updating antivirus software and configuring it properly for optimum security.
While phishing emails and oversharing are prevalent online dangers, 404 also warned about the rising threats of social engineering and deepfake scams. He emphasized the importance of staying informed and verifying information through trusted sources to avoid falling prey to these evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals.
404’s own journey from being an active cybercriminal to becoming a cybersecurity professional was driven by a combination of guilt and fear regarding the harm he was causing. He confessed to his biggest crime involving infiltrating the systems of a major financial institution, which resulted in financial hardships for many innocent people and small businesses. He expressed remorse for his past actions and now advocates for individuals with hacking skills to pursue a legal and fulfilling career in cybersecurity.
In conclusion, 404’s insights provide valuable advice for individuals to protect themselves from scams and online threats. By being cautious of unsolicited communications, verifying the authenticity of senders, and avoiding oversharing personal information, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cybercriminal activities.