There is no question about the fact that writing malware is easy. Any coding expert can write a decent malware that can inflict severe damage these days. The easier it gets, the more threatening it becomes. The same goes for phishing. As Covid-19 is expanding, many people are stuck at home. They are forced to work remotely sitting at home. They spend most of their time online, which makes them vulnerable. Phishing scammers are having a field day during the pandemic. They have more victims to target and steal data. You can do the following for smushing phishing in Los Angeles and surrounding areas:
- Stay Away From Weird Websites
Suspicious websites are spread all over the internet. Some of these sites imitate popular sites to the extent that they appear similar. These sites are an elaborate attempt to steal your data. When you end up opening a suspicious website, always check the URL. Almost always, the URL will give away the website. You will know that it is a phishing scam when you refresh the page. Press ctrl+F5, and the page will refresh, revealing its identity. Stay away from such sites.
- Avoid Opening Dubious Emails
Never open links sent to you from unknown sources. Mostly, these links are masked as they lead you to believe that someone you know sent the source. The link may be suspicious and may well be a phishing attempt. Similar links may end up in your email box, in the junk folder. It is best not to open these and delete them as is.
- Look For Https Lock
Secure sites use HTTPS lock in the address bar. Avoid opening sites that use older Http links, as these might contain suspicious scripts. Such sites are insecure are likely to harm your computer and steal your data.
- Threatening Emails
Phishing attempts come in different forms. You will receive emails threatening you with dire consequences if you don’t pay the desired amount. Such blatant attempts are considered last-ditch attempts of stealing data. It is best not to pay attention to such emails. They don’t have access to your data, nor do they know anything about your privacy. You are protected if you have suitable tools and software installed and definitions updated. Avoid opening such emails and send them to the trash can straight away.
- Software Update Alerts
You might receive fake software definition alerts warning you that your software, likely antivirus, or malware tool, is outdated and you need to update it. Check the source of the alert as it is likely suspicious. Run the antivirus and anti-malware scanner for any vulnerabilities. Remove the link from your system.
Smushing phishing in Los Angeles and elsewhere is the right course of action. Do this everything you receive suspicious links or URLs and scan your system properly. It would help if you completely scan the system instead of a quick runtime scanner.
