Phishing is a well-known technique used by cyber criminals to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details, and personal information from unsuspecting victims. It involves the use of deceptive tactics and fraudulent emails to trick individuals into giving away valuable data. According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, the number of phishing websites has reached an all-time high, with over 138,328 reported in the first quarter of 2021 alone. In this article, we will discuss two common techniques used in phishing emails and how you can protect yourself from falling victim to them.

1. Social Engineering
Social engineering is a technique used by cyber criminals to manipulate and deceive individuals into giving away their personal information. Phishing emails often use social engineering to create a sense of urgency or fear to trick victims into taking immediate action. For example, an email claiming to be from your bank might state that your account has been compromised, and you need to log in immediately to secure it. This urgency can push individuals to click on the provided link without taking the time to confirm its authenticity.

Another form of social engineering in phishing emails is creating a sense of familiarity. Cyber criminals often use personal information gathered from different sources to personalize their emails and make them appear legitimate. For instance, an email containing your full name and date of birth might seem like it is from a trusted source, but it is actually a ploy to gain your trust and get you to provide sensitive information.

To protect yourself from social engineering attacks, it is crucial to always be vigilant and double-check the authenticity of emails before taking any action. You can do this by verifying the sender’s email address, checking for spelling and grammar errors, and never clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

2. URL Manipulation
Another common technique used in phishing emails is URL manipulation. Cyber criminals often create fake websites that replicate legitimate ones, such as online banking portals, social media platforms, and e-commerce websites. The URLs of these fake websites may look similar to the real ones, making it difficult for individuals to detect the scam.

For example, a phishing email may contain a link to a fake login page for your online banking account. The URL might be something like “www.yourbanklogin.com,” which is slightly different from your actual bank’s URL. If you enter your login credentials on this fake page, the cyber criminals will have access to your bank account and the information contained within.

To protect yourself from URL manipulation, it is crucial to pay close attention to the URLs of websites you visit. Always double-check the URL in the address bar before entering any sensitive information. You can also use a password manager or type in the URL directly instead of clicking on links provided in emails.

In conclusion, phishing emails are a significant threat to individuals and organizations. They use various techniques, such as social engineering and URL manipulation, to deceive and trick victims into giving away valuable information. To protect yourself from these scams, it is essential to be cautious and verify the authenticity of emails and websites before taking any action. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Remember, it only takes one click to become a victim of phishing.