Sunday Tech Corner with Alex

What Is Phishing and How Can You Protect Yourself?

Every day, cybercriminals try to trick people into giving away personal information through a scam called phishing. Phishing is a type of online fraud where someone pretends to be a trusted company, friend, bank, or service in order to steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, banking details, or personal data.

 Phishing attempts often arrive through email, text messages, social media messages, fake websites, or even phone calls. A common example is receiving an email that appears to come from your bank or a company like Amazon, Apple, or Microsoft claiming there is a problem with your account. The message may pressure you to click a link, open an attachment, or sign in immediately. Once you do, the scammer can capture your login information or install malware onto your device.

 One reason phishing attacks are so successful is because scammers create a sense of urgency or fear. They may say your account will be suspended, your package delivery failed, or that suspicious activity was detected. Some phishing emails are poorly written, while others look extremely professional and nearly identical to legitimate messages.

 Fortunately, there are several ways to protect yourself from phishing scams. First, never click on links or attachments from unexpected emails or messages. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website by typing the address yourself. Always double-check the sender’s email address carefully, as scammers often use addresses that look similar to real ones. Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your accounts adds an extra layer of protection even if your password is stolen.

 It is also important to keep your devices and software updated, since updates often include security protections against new threats. Using a trusted password manager can help create strong, unique passwords for every account. Finally, if something feels suspicious or “too urgent,” take a moment to pause and verify before responding.

Phishing scams continue to evolve, but with awareness and good online habits, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Staying cautious online is one of the best ways to protect your personal information, finances, and digital life.

 

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