1. Check the sender address carefully
One of the first signs of a phishing attack is a suspicious email address. Although a message may appear to come from your bank or a known service, the sender address can quickly reveal the truth. Phishing attackers often try to use addresses that are similar to the legitimate ones but have slight differences. For example, the email address might look like this: kundeservice@nettbank-support.no instead of the official one kundeservice@nettbank.no.
Always go through the email address thoroughly and be on the lookout for small discrepancies that may seem insignificant, but are a clear sign that something is wrong.
2. Be skeptical of urgent messages
Phishing messages often play on fear and time pressure. The attacker wants to make you act quickly without thinking the situation through. Common phrases used include: "Your account has been suspended!", "Payment problems - respond within 24 hours" or "Update your information now to avoid suspension of your account."
Such messages are designed to create the feeling that you are short on time, so that you act impulsively. When you receive a message that seems stressful or urgent, stop and take the time to investigate the matter further before clicking on any links or sending out personal information.
3. Research the URL before you click
Phishing attackers often use fake links to trick you into fake websites. When you hover your mouse over a link (without clicking), you'll see the actual URL on the screen. If the URL looks suspicious or contains strange characters and additions, it is a clear sign that something is wrong. You can also copy the link into notes on your mobile to double check how it actually looks.
For example, a phishing website might have a URL that looks like this: http://www.bank-login.no, while the real address of your bank might be https://www.bank.no. Small changes like extra words or insecure connections missing “https” at the start of the link should give you pause.
4. Bad language and grammar mistakes
Most large companies and professional organizations send emails using correct language. Many phishing messages, on the other hand, are poorly written, full of grammatical errors and strange sentence structures. This may be because many phishing attempts come from other countries.
If an email from a "professional" organization has many or few language errors, you should be skeptical. Reputable companies have dedicated communications teams and it is rare for their official messages to contain such errors.
5. Unexpected attachments
Another common tactic among phishing attackers is to attach files containing malware. If you receive an email with an attachment you don't expect and the sender asks you to open it immediately, you should be very wary. Opening such attachments can infect your computer with viruses or malware that give the attacker access to your system.
Remember, serious companies will rarely ask you to open attachments without a good explanation. If in doubt, contact the alleged sender directly through official channels before opening anything.
6. Unusual requests for personal information
No serious organization will ask you to provide sensitive information such as passwords, social security numbers or credit card details via email. If you receive an email or message asking you to provide such information, it is most likely a phishing attempt.
Instead of responding directly to the message, go to the official website of the organization by entering the URL yourself (do not click on any links in the message), or contact customer service through secure and official channels.
7. Strange formatting or appearance of the message
Legitimate e-mails from companies and organizations often have a recognizable design with a professional layout, logos and uniform use of colors. Phishing messages can often appear unprofessional and have poor formatting. You may see strange line breaks, misaligned images, or colors that don't match your company's branding.
If an email looks different from what you normally receive from a given sender, you should take this as a warning sign. Although the text itself may seem credible, poor design elements are often indicative of a phishing attempt.
How to protect yourself from phishing?
Now that you know what to look for, it's also important to take active measures to protect yourself from phishing attacks.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA): This provides an extra layer of security by requiring both a password and another form of authentication, such as a one-time code sent to your mobile.
- Keep your systems up to date: Make sure your operating system, browser and anti-virus software are up-to-date to protect against new threats.
- Be careful what you share online: The less personal information you share publicly, the harder it will be for phishing attackers to target you.
- Use secure networks: Avoid using open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks when performing sensitive operations such as online banking or shopping.
Phishing is an increasingly widespread threat, but by being aware of the signs we have shown here, you can reduce the risk of being deceived. Remember, fraudsters are always trying to find new ways to trick us, but with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself and your information effectively. Not sure about a message or email?📧 It's always better to be safe than sorry!💪
