Phishing is a fraudulent technique used to obtain sensitive information (login names and passwords, credit card numbers, PIN codes, number of documents, and so on) from the victims of attack. The word Phishing is derived from English word fishing. It's like catching a fish - in this technique the attacker sets a bait and waits, who takes it.

The most often phishing attacks are used to send fraudulent e-mails that appears to be official emails from different companies or offices. In these fraudulent emails, the recipient is prompted to click on the embedded link and fill in the required information on the website. Fraudulent e-mails often includes the form of official emails from imitated organization, often with the logo or other graphic symbols and characters from imitated organization. Similarly, the websites displayed when you click on the embedded link have the graphic form of the original organization website. The deceived addressee, thinking that he is on the original website of the organization and he will provide login information by filling it in the false login form.

 

How to detect Phishing 

• No organization, no bank, will never ask you for any sensitive data by email
• Note the e-mail address of the sender
• Note grammatical errors in the email text
• Fraudulent email often seems like a very urgent, and invites you to click on the embedded link 
• Always keep an eye on the accuracy of the website address where you enter your login information

How to prevent Phishing

• Never give to someone your sensitive data - personal details, login information and so on
• Act with caution - don't click on embedded links in emails that seem suspicious, and in no case, don't open the attachments. If you find yourself in doubt, always contact the organization with an official contact - phone or email
• Don't respond to suspicious emails
• Open your web site by entering your addresses directly into your web browser
• When you log on the website, always check whether it's the right - its address and certificate, if it uses secure communication
• Be careful when you register on different websites and consider carefully whether and which sensitive information you provide
• Use the updated operating system, Internet browser and e-mail client
• Use security software that can detect Phishing

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See also:

How to shop safely on the Internet ?

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