Phishing is a sneaky way that cybercriminals try to steal your personal information by pretending to be someone they’re not. They may send you an email or a message that looks like it’s from your bank, a popular shop, or even your boss. The goal is to trick you into sharing things like passwords, card details, or other private information.
How It Happens
Phishing works by creating a fake email, text, or website that looks real. For example, you might get an email saying, “Your account has been locked. Click here to fix it.” When you click the link, it takes you to a website that looks real, but it’s designed to steal whatever information you type in.
This doesn’t just happen with emails. You can get phishing messages through texts or even phone calls. These are called “smishing” (for texts) and “vishing” (for voice calls). No matter the method, the goal is the same: to trick you into giving up your private info.
Story Time
When COVID-19 started, many scammers sent fake emails pretending to be health organisations like the World Health Organisation. They said things like, “Click here to learn more about vaccines,” but the links led to fake websites. People who clicked those links often had their personal information stolen.
If you’re curious about real examples like these, the National Cyber Security Centre has a guide on COVID-19 phishing scams that you might find helpful.
What to Look Out For
Phishing messages can look convincing, but there are usually clues that something isn’t right:
- The email address might look off, like “support@yourbank-secure.com” instead of the real “support@yourbank.com.”
- The message might be full of urgent language, like, “Act now!” or “Your account is in danger!”
- It may use a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” instead of your actual name.
- Look out for bad spelling or grammar—legitimate companies usually don’t make those mistakes.
How to Stay Safe
Here are some simple ways to protect yourself:
- If you get an email or message that seems odd, don’t click on the links. Go to the company’s website directly or call them to check.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever you can. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Keep your software up to date. Updates often fix security issues that scammers might use to break in.
For more tips, check out this helpful guide on spotting phishing emails.
Stay Safe Online
Phishing is a clear example of how cybercriminals prey on trust and urgency. By learning to spot the signs and practising safe online habits, you can protect yourself and others. Knowledge and caution are powerful tools for staying safe in the digital age.