Protect yourself from phishing attacks
Although phishing and other attacks occur via e-mail, the number of malicious e-mails mentioning the COVID-19 virus is very small. Still, we regularly receive questions from customers about what they can do themselves to protect themselves. Therefore, here are some tips for staying protected from phishing attacks.
What you can do yourself
Cybercriminals trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 crisis are mostly employing the usual tactics. In this blog, we provide examples of these tactics and explain how to recognize them. It is important to be vigilant even now and take steps to protect yourself.
Install the latest security updates, antivirus or anti-malware software on all your devices. For Windows 10 devices, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a free built-in service that can be activated through settings. In Windows, enable "Cloud Security" and "Automatic Sample Submission," which will quickly identify and block new and unknown threats through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. Use two-step verification (MFA) on all your accounts. Most online services offer this security to protect (mobile) device.
Turn on Additional Safe Internet
Extra Safe Internet puts a fence around dangerous Web sites from the Internet of your business. If you accidentally click on a link to a site with malware or other dangerous content, you'll see a warning page. Extra Safe Internet also prevents your equipment from reaching rogue addresses. So computers connected to the Internet through your connection can't get to criminals. And that's how you keep your smart speaker, printer or security camera safe, too.
We can enable Extra Secure Internet on any KPN DSL or FttH Internet connection for you. Please take contact with us!
Recognize phishing attempts
Educate yourself on how to recognize phishing attempts and report suspicious ones. Also help your family, friends and colleagues do the same. Phishing e mails can often be recognized by:
Incorrect spelling and poor grammar
Cybercriminals are not known for their correct grammar or correct spelling. Professional companies or organizations usually have editors to ensure that customers receive high-quality and professional content. If an e-mail message is full of errors, it is probably an attempted scam.
Suspicious links
If you suspect an e-mail message is a scam, do not click on links. One method to test the legitimacy of a link (link) is to rest your mouse on the link without clicking. Then you can see if the address matches what is written in the message.
Suspicious attachments
If you receive an email with attachment from a stranger or an email from someone you know but with an unexpected attachment, be alert. This could be a phishing attempt. We recommend that you do not open the attachment until you have verified its authenticity. Attackers use multiple techniques to trick recipients into believing the attachment is legitimate.
Don't just trust the attachment icon
Be wary of multiple file extensions such as "pdf.exe," "rar.exe" or "txt.hta." When in doubt, contact the person who sent the message and ask if they can confirm that the email and file are legitimate.
(Threats)
Threatening emails cause a sense of panic or pressure to respond quickly. For example, it may contain an instruction such as "You must respond by the end of the day. Or it mentions that you will face financial penalties if you don't respond (on time).
Spoofing
Spoofing emails appear to be associated with legitimate websites or companies, but actually take you to scam websites or pop-up windows. Modified Internet addresses A form of spoofing in which the address looks almost entirely like the known name of the company but with a slight modification; for example, "www.lenmedia.com" or "www.Lennmedio.com."
Incorrect salutation
Pay close attention to how your salutation is written. Your salutation may also contain spelling errors; for example, "Mr. Janssen" instead of "Mr. Jansen.
Report suspicious emails and websites
Received a phishing email or followed a link in an email that led to a suspicious website? Then mark it as junk mail in Outlook and let us know so we can take immediate action!
