What are your top 3 tips to help others avoid phishing scams?
1) Remember phishing is not confined to just emails. Criminals can target you via other means such as instant messages, private messages on social media platforms, SMS messages and VOIP services. So be cautious across all platforms.
2) Use a url unshortener to identify what the real URL is behind that shortened link in a Tweet or other message.
3) If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn’t. Most phishing messages will use physiological techniques to get you to respond. Either by promising you a large reward, promising dire consequences should you not respond, or by taking advantage of your trust in an organisation or person. Read all messages carefully and if you are in doubt about the authenticity then verify it with the sender by calling them.
Brian Honan | BH Consulting | @BrianHonan
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