In the News
Verizon Wireless customers beware! In Mobile-First Phishing Kit Targets Verizon Customers, Tara Seals at ThreatPost discusses how malicious attackers have been sending Verizon customers phishing links posing as messages from the Verizon Customer Support Center. Seals states that the attack creators are skilled and have extensive knowledge of the inner workings of Verizon’s mobile landscape. Seals explains that users often think more about the dangers of cybercrime on desktop devices and less so on mobile phones.
Our Take
Phishing attacks are all too frequent in today’s society. However, their creators are capitalizing now more than ever on the use of mobile and less secure smart devices to attack they prey. It is crucial that all mobile users proceed with caution when sent a link or ad that you were not expecting. You can always check to see if there is indeed a complication with your account in a separate tab or by calling the support center directly. Clicking on random links even if they look legitimate can be dangerous and can ultimately lead to financial fraud and identity theft. Additionally, because our mobile phones have become an extension of our lives maintaining security on all of your accounts is vital to keeping those accounts and their information private in the event you do fall prey to cybercrime.
Recommendations
So how can you protect personal information from falling prey to phishing attacks?
- Don’t reuse your account passwords, and take advantage of multi-factor authentication whenever possible
- Know the signs of an email scam and know how to act if you are affected
- Avoid clicking directly on links, whether in email or social media – always search through your search engine to verify legitimacy and find the appropriate site
- Refrain from opening suspicious attachments
- Proceed with the same level of caution on your mobile devices as you would on a desktop
- Track your finances closely to notice suspicious transactions before they become dangerous