Phishing attacks are one of the most common scams on the web. And unfortunately, they can have disastrous effects for you and your loved ones. So, what is phishing and how can you stop it in 2021?
You’ve probably heard of phishing. No, not the kind that involves a worm and a boat. This isn’t the kind that threatens aquatic life. Rather, online phishing threatens the safety and security of you and your loved ones. Phishing attacks are a way for online scammers to manipulate people into surrendering sensitive personal and financial information. And they most often target the families and associates of victims. So, if you don’t protect yourself and your family from phishing and the various other hacks on the web, you’re opening yourself up to a world of digital danger. But what exactly is phishing, why is it so dangerous, and how can you stop it?
What is phishing?
Phishing occurs when a scammer sends fraudulent emails pretending to be from a reputable source in the hopes of getting their victim to reveal intimate personal information. Phishing scams are a form of social engineering hack, meaning they are a type of attack in which the attacker attempts to manipulate someone psychologically. In other words, phishing attacks prey on the emotions of the victim. And phishing attacks have only gotten more dangerous and more prevalent in the age of the internet.
Why are phishing emails so dangerous?
These emotional ploys are particularly effective when used against close relatives, friends, or coworkers. It works like this: a scammer obtains your personal information through a hack, data breach, or leak, they then contact your loved ones and pretend to be you or know you, and finally, they attempt to trick your loved ones into providing them with some form of financial compensation or sensitive information.
And sadly, these attacks work. According to the FBI, phishing was the most common type of cybercrime and over 200,000 incidents of phishing occurred in 2020 alone. So, the frequency of phishing attacks is on the rise, and you and your loved ones are at risk. But what can you do to stop phishing attacks in 2021?
Stop phishing attacks
Yep, online phishing involves a different kind of bait. And a different kind of hook. Instead of using a fishing rod, scammers use emails to lure their prey in. And then they use your sensitive personal information to seal the deal. So, how do you protect yourself and your loved ones from phishing schemes?
The most comprehensive and effective data privacy solution on the market is Privacy Bee. The first part of a phishing scheme is a hacker obtaining your personal data. Meaning, Privacy Bee’s services are the best way to stop phishing attacks right at the source! With 24/7 vulnerability monitoring, extended family protection, and customizable privacy preferences, Privacy Bee makes it easy for you to take back control of your data. And if a scammer never has your data, then they’re never able to entrap your loved ones in a phishing scheme!
You can start protecting yourself and your family with a 100% free trial today!
