Phishing
What is Phishing?
Phishing is one the most popular ways of cyberattack that targets people via phone calls, texts and emails. The goal of a phishing attack is to trick the target into doing a certain action, which might involve sending private information, for example, login and password for the online bank or social media or downloading and installing dangerous software, and following links to the “fake” websites.
The attacker usually acts as a person or organization the victim trusts, such as a supervisor, bank worker or even a coworker, and instills a sense of urgency in the victim that can lead to the bad decisions. Unfortunately, it is simpler and less expensive to fool individuals than it is to break into a computer or network, so this is a common practice nowadays.
Phishing attempts that are successful frequently result in cyber assaults, credit card fraud, identity theft and of course financial losses for both individuals and businesses.
Understanding of Phishing
Three primary ways are used by hackers to steal information through phishing techniques: malicious web links, malicious attachments, and fake data-entry forms. Malicious attachments may seem authentic but are filled with malware, while the web links lead visitors to fake websites that can steal user’s information. Users are asked for sensitive information via fake data entry forms, which can be utilized for identity theft and other fraudulent acts.
Another phishing technique is spear phishing. This attack targets a specific individual with privileged access to sensitive data or network resources. The scammer gathers information to pose as a trusted entity or a person, such as a friend, boss or financial institution. Social media and networking sites have become valuable sources for spear phishing research, as people publicly show their lives, what do they own, so it’s easier for the hacker to identify a victim.
Latest news about Phishing
- A counterfeit website mimicking the official KeePass password manager has been found in Google search results, attracting users to download malicious Trojan software. KeePass Password Safe, a free open-source password manager, is widely used for Windows and mobile platforms. The presence of a phishing website in top-tier search results raises questions about search engine measures and their effectiveness in warding off potential cyber threats. Users should exercise caution when downloading software, especially when it relates to security tools.
- Cryptocurrency founder 0xngmi has developed LlamaSearch, a browser extension designed to prioritize user safety. The extension redirects users to a catalog of manually curated sites, such as MetaMask, Binance, OpenSea, and Uniswap, and guides them to Google if their search doesn’t align with the safe list. LlamaSearch functions locally, ensuring no searches are relayed to DefiLlama servers. It requires permission to replace the new tab page and allows users to customize their search preferences. The tool also features a sleek dark mode, emphasizing safety and user-centric design. The introduction of tools like LlamaSearch reflects the evolving nature of the crypto space and encourages a culture of vigilance in the crypto world.
Disclaimer
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About The Author
Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
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Victoria is a writer on a variety of technology topics including Web3.0, AI and cryptocurrencies. Her extensive experience allows her to write insightful articles for the wider audience.
