This Is how You Can Avoid Phishing Attacks | Total Security

Safety tips have hardly changed in recent years. Devices got better, internet connections got faster. But the top tips are still “don't click on unknown attachments”, “update your operating system and software” and “watch out for phishing attacks”.

Fake websites have been around since the AOL days and it doesn't look like they're going to go away anytime soon. The complete URLs are often cut off, especially on mobile devices - the screens are simply too small. And targeted phishing attacks continue to take place, the attack on the Bundestag in 2015 or the attack on US demo cards during the 2016 election campaign are popular examples.

Phishing and spam emails will continue to accompany us - but there is hope. Because we asked our expert Rüdiger Trost how he protects himself and what tips he can give our reading.

1. Do Not Click Any Links in Emails

"The link in the email is the bait and the fake website is the fishhook," says Rüdiger. "If you ignore the bait, you won't end up on the hook."

Probably the largest proportion of phishing victims were lured to the malicious site by a link in their email inbox. It's not just about ignoring links from unexpected emails. "NEVER click on links in any email".

Because criminals often use hacked email accounts to find other victims. Sure, it's convenient and easy to click a link. But if you put a little more effort into typing in the URL directly, phishers are taking one of their greatest avenues of attack - fake URLs.

2. Bookmark the Bank, Online Shopping and Favorite Sites

"If you set up bookmarks for frequently used websites, for example for shopping or online banking, the chance of falling victim to a phishing attack is greatly reduced," says Rüdiger. In this way, for example, you can avoid entering a URL incorrectly and ending up on the page of a typo squatter.

If you now receive an e-mail, for example from the bank, all you need to do is click on the bookmark to land guaranteed at the bank - and not on a potential phishing site. Modern browsers also often use bookmarks as a priority when it comes to completing the URL.

With these two tips, you can nip many phishing attacks in the bud. But there is an additional step in case the first two do not expect to work again.

3. Use Protective Software

The filtering of websites based on their reputation has gotten a lot better in the last 10 years. Anyone who uses a security solution such as Protegent360's Total Security can rely on full protection. The integrated browser protection detects malicious websites and blocks access - without you as a user having to do anything.

"As soon as a fraudulent site becomes known, they block our security programs," says Rüdiger Trost. “Legitimate banking sites on the other hand are whitelisted. This prevents criminals from manipulating the data transmission.

Thanks to the F-Secure Safe Browser even works on mobile devices; the application is available for Android and iOS.

Extra Security

If you are looking for even more security, Rüdiger recommends securing important accounts with two-factor authentication. This reduces the chance that a criminal will be able to access the account even if they are given the username and password. Many providers offer this type of account security, the website TwoFactorAuth.org gives a good overview. Sean advises against texting. This is out of date and potential risk. Where possible, you should use the appropriate apps from Google, Microsoft, or other providers.