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What is Phishing?Phishing is a method used to fraudulently obtain personal information, including social security numbers, bank account numbers and passwords, by masquerading as a legitimate entity. Phishing emails and instant messages use social engineering and typically require recipients to click on a link in order to verify or update personal information. |
Sometimes phishing emails are easy to spot with their poor grammar and spelling, completely unbelievable subject lines and misaligned copy. However, increasing amounts of phishing emails display official corporate logos and other designs that make them look quite legitimate. Phishing emails, like spam, are typically sent to large numbers of email addresses.
Why should you care?
Phishing puts your personal identity and information at risk.How to Protect Yourself
Keep your PC current with the latest software updates and patches.- Apply the latest security updates and patches to your software programs and operating systems and enable automatic updates where possible. Since cybercriminals typically take advantage of flaws in the software to plant malware on your PC, keeping your software current will minimize your exposure to vulnerabilities.
Protect your PC with security software.
- Install an Internet security suite like Trend Micro™ Internet Security that includes spam filtering/blocking, anti-malware, anti-spyware and web reputation. Keep security software up-to-date.
- Install a free tool, such as Trend Micro Email ID, to help you identify legitimate emails.
Protect yourself and your PC
- If you receive an email requesting personal or confidential information, do not respond or provide this information via links or phone numbers in the email. Legitimate organizations such as credit card companies and banks will NEVER request this information via email.
- Beware of unexpected or strange-looking emails and instant messages (IMs) regardless of sender. Never open attachments or click on links in these emails and IMs. If you trust the sender, scan the attachments before opening.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you suspect an email is spam, delete it immediately. Reject all IMs from people whom you don’t know.
- Regularly check your bank, credit and debit card statements to ensure that all transactions are legitimate.
