Phishing

No, I didn’t spell some people’s favorite pastime wrong (fishing) but with summer coming on I thought it pertinent to discuss some hackers’ favorite past time. Phishing is a scam in which a perpetrator sends an official looking e-mail message that attempts to obtain your personal and financial information. Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day—and they’re often successful. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that people lost $30 million to phishing schemes in one year. But there are several things you can do to protect yourself.

1. Set up recover phone number/email address.
2. Use unique passwords for your accounts.
3. Keep software up to date.
4. Set up two-factor/multi-factor authentication- Multi-factor authentication makes is harder for scammers to log in to your accounts if they do get your username and password.

Older generations appear to have better cybersecurity knowledge and practices than younger tech users according to a report from Google. The report, in partnership with Harris Poll, found that despite negative stereotypes, older generations are more aware about security concerns and concepts than their younger counterparts.

The report surveyed 3,000 US adults between the ages of 16 and 50+ to determine their beliefs and practices regarding online security. Gen Zers aren’t as well-versed in security practices as they think they are, the report found. While 71% said they are too smart to fall for a phishing scam, only 44% said they actually know what “phishing” means.

Some 65% of respondents ages 25 to 49 said they are confident they won’t fall for phishing attacks, and 53% said they know what phishing means. As for Baby Boomers, only 55% were confident, but 71% said they understand what phishing is, the report found.

Password reuse was the highest among Generation Z, with 78% saying they used the same password for multiple accounts online.

While Gen Z may think they know more about cybersecurity risks and procedures than their older counterparts, the data says differently. Baby Boomers proved to have a better understanding of the importance in software updates than younger generations: 84% said they believed updating security software is absolutely essential, while 61% of Gen Z said the same.  Baby Boomers also demonstrated a greater overall understanding of phishing schemes, according to the report, leaving younger generations vulnerable to attack.

While many people’s hobby may not include fishing, you should avail yourself to what Phishing is and how to protect yourself. Who knows, you may find that fishing is something you like!

ABS is always ready to help you audit your phishing security and help you ensure your organization is protected. Let us know how we can help.