A digitally connected world comes with its difficulties. As internet usage continues to rise worldwide, so does the risk of cyber threats. Organizations strive to combat the increasing online insecurity by investing more in cybersecurity.
However, only some of their activities prove helpful in protecting individual web users. Phishing techniques remain some of the most popular threats to individual security online. The onus, therefore, falls on us to inform and protect ourselves.
Cybercriminals employ a variety of phishing techniques. This article explores common and emerging phishing techniques and how to avoid them.
Common Phishing Techniques
Phishing has been around for a long time. Consequently, phishing strategies have evolved and expanded over the years. Simply put, where there is a breakthrough in digital communication, there is the risk of phishing. Here are some phishing techniques that have been around for a decade now.
Email phishing
Email phishing is arguably the most popular of all the techniques. Here, attackers employ seemingly legitimate emails. The goal is to lure users into false security or excitement. Then, they get them to share personal information. Cybercriminals who employ this technique may impersonate legitimate businesses and individuals. They also frequently make use of malicious links. To escape this technique, learn to identify harmful emails.
Spear phishing
This is a targeted form of phishing. Thanks to social media, chat rooms, etc., attackers can gather personal information on users. They then use this information to create targeted messages. The depth of personalization makes such messages more convincing. As such, spear phishing is a targeted phishing approach. Always exercise caution with the personal details you share online to avoid making yourself an attractive target.
Link manipulation
We skim more than we read when we surf the web. That simple fact presents an opportunity for phishers. They use shortened URLs and misspelled domains to redirect users to a malicious link. These links lead to sites designed to look legitimate. The goal is to get users to share information on the malicious site. Pay close attention to sent links to avoid falling prey.
Malware-based phishing
Attackers that use this technique use malware to infiltrate devices. The cybercriminal sends a malicious file to the user. Upon opening the file, such a user unwittingly executes the malware. Similarly, such malware may be downloadable online via unlicensed app downloads. Any download from an untrusted site is a security risk; avoid them.
Clone phishing
Cybercriminals use clone phishing to intercept and clone real messages. The clone messages usually contain added malicious entities. They may also possess links to similarly cloned websites. The technique involves an attacker trying to mimic a real organization’s operational language and web infrastructure.
Emerging Phishing Techniques
As implied earlier, developments in digital communication birth more sophisticated phishing techniques. Here are some of the emerging strategies that we have today:
Search engine phishing
Phishers can use search engines to propagate their malicious sites. They release content like a regular business and optimize it to rank well. Unsuspecting users searching for information visit the websites. The goal is to have visitors create accounts on these websites. Admins can then use the collected details to coordinate credential-stuffing attacks across the web.
When correctly done, the malicious content may be challenging to recognize. However, always use strong and unique passwords, along with a password manager, if necessary. Both measures would ensure extra security for your passwords if they are ever compromised.
SMS phishing or ‘smishing’
Smishing is arguably the cybercrime version of cold-emailing. Attackers that use these strategies collect phone numbers and send messages to them. These messages are intended to be enticing or exciting. The goal is to get users to click malicious links or share information. Learn to recognize such messages by objectively wondering how they came to be. If you can’t determine how a message has come to appear on your phone, delete it without opening it.
Voice phishing or ‘vishing’
A typical vishing attack involves using voice communication methods to deceive people. Cybercriminals can collect information on individuals online. They then attempt to pose as legitimate businesses. Using calls; they can mimic customer support and lure users into revealing information. The simple way to avoid falling for this attack is not to share any information. A legitimate company is unlikely to ask for information over an unsecured call.
AI-driven phishing
An AI-powered phishing attempt uses the technology to be more convincing. They are particularly dangerous because of their ability to evolve. In addition to sending personalized messages, the phishing technique may allow for automatic fine-tuning of the messages according to their success.
Such a phishing campaign would prevent new security challenges for filters and security tools. Regardless, you can avoid this technique by educating yourself on how it works. Also, consider multi-factor authentication and regularly update your apps and tools for the latest security patches.
Zero click phishing
Most phishing attempts require a user to click on a link or download an attachment. A zero-click phishing technique involves no such web interaction. Instead, the malware embedded in the message or content sent seeks to leverage software vulnerabilities. The nature of this attack makes it difficult to detect. However, you can avoid a zero-click attack by regularly updating your OS and apps. Delete apps you don’t use, employ different passwords for each account, and utilize multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
Conclusion
Phishing is a digital menace that continues to develop. Cybercriminals are evolving in their methods. Due to this, organizations continue to invest more in cybersecurity. However, individual web users also need to start playing a bigger role. One way of doing this is to adopt better cyber hygiene practices.
The above information should provide some pointers about phishing and how to avoid it. Imbibe them, and buy some security tools if you can afford them. In the modern day, cybersecurity is just as important as physical security. Treat it as such, and watch how the pond dries up for phishers.
