Are you familiar with the word Camouflage? Camouflage means to hide one’s presence in a manner that others are unable to recognize them. Phishing is a sort of camouflaged email, which cyber criminals typically use to deceive people and companies, while causing a great loss either financially or information-wise.
Cyber criminals imitate legitimate websites and then deceive people about their personal information and credentials like login passwords. Phishing is the most common email malware.
Security testing companies need to be more aware about the phishing scams and must find ways of protection.
Protection against phishing attacks
Protective measures are important to fight against phishing attacks. Some of the most common ways of protection are highlighted in this article as;
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Website’s security verification
It’s always good to be vigilant about furnishing sensitive information online. If a website is secured, even then make sure that it’s URL starts with “https” and a closed lock icon is there on the address bar, before submission of any sensitive information. Site’s security certificate must be verified and in case the webpage declares that “site may contain malicious files”, it is recommended not to open the website.
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Updation of Browser
Periodically security patches are released for well-known browsers. They were released in response to security vulnerabilities inevitably discovered and exploited by phishers and other hackers
Messages of updating the browser must not be ignored. Habit of frequently changing passwords must be sustained.
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Usage of Firewalls
Firewalls play a key role between you, your computer, and impostors outside, while preventing access of malicious files by blocking attacks. Desktop firewall and network firewall is recommended (a software and hardware combo, that drastically reduces the probability of hackers and phishers.
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Cautious about pop ups
Many Popular browsers today, allows you to block pop ups. If one manages to slip through the cracks, it is better to click on small “x” rather than clicking on “cancel”.
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Use of Antivirus Software
Anti-spyware and firewall settings must be incorporated to prevent phishing attacks and users are responsible to update the programs on a daily basis. Antivirus is implemented to scan every file which comes through the internet to systems. Unintended damages can be prevented via using antivirus software.
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React sensible while clicking
Showing sensibility is the most important thing to prevent yourself from phishing. Clicking on links in random emails and messages isn’t sensible in any way. You need to be very careful in this regard.
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Stay in touch with new phishing techniques
Phishing scams are developed all the time, not having prior knowledge about these new phishing techniques can make you suffer a lot.
Conclusion
Many organizations need to have a team to do security testing. Also, organizations must emphasize other related critical areas like cloud security, big data, performance and more. If organizations need to prevent their applications and systems free of phishing, then they may approach their trustful security testing company to hire their services to strengthen their software security.
Author Bio:
Scott Andery is a senior Marketing Consultant and technical writer at Daily Tech Times. He has worked with different industries. He started his career with one of the consulting company based in New York. Scott has 10+ years of experience in technical writing.
