A phishing net is an email that seems to be from a bank or government agency but is actually the work of a criminal attempting to steal your personal information. Once you provide personal information, the criminal can use it to access online banking accounts and wire transfer services.
Over 500 cases of the phishing net scam were reported last year in Ontario, resulting in losses of over $96,000. Most alarming of all is that 95% of phishing scams go unreported, placing the actual losses in the millions.
Quick Tips to Avoid Phishing Nets:
Protect Your Computer:
- Use anti-virus software, email filters, and firewall programs. Pund-IT’s professional services team can provide advice on the best security systems for your business. Give us a call at 519-342-4004.
Do Not Reply to Suspicious Messages:
- Never reply to any email or text messages that request your personal information. Financial institutions will never request personal information via email. If you receive a request for information, contact your financial institution immediately and report your suspicions.
Check for Misspellings:
- Look for misspelled words in “official” emails. Remember, your bank can afford spellcheck.
Protect Your Passwords:
- Change your passwords frequently and avoid obvious passwords like “qwerty” or “123456”. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. If you use the same password “HansonRules1997” for all of your accounts, a hacker who cracks your email account can then use the same password to access your other accounts and rob you blind.
Educating your team about the risks and signs of phishing scams can significantly reduce the chances of falling victim to such attacks. Regular training sessions and updates about new threats are essential for maintaining a secure environment.
If you have any questions or need assistance, call Pund-IT Inc at 519-342-4004, and we will gladly help. For more information or to get in touch, visit our contact page.
