Phishing is getting a lot more sophisticated.
Gone are the spelling and grammar-challenged emails that used to scream “scam.” In their place are much slicker notices that imply our credit or credit standing is at risk, tell us we’re about to be evicted or inform us an unnamed friend has died and invite us to click for details about the memorial.
The security lab Websense found the top phishing subject lines worldwide included “Invitation to connect on LinkedIn” and variations of “Mail delivery failed.” A report released last week by APWG, the Anti-Phishing Working Group, says phishing attempts jumped 20 percent in the third quarter of 2013.
Not only has the look and text of these phishing emails become more sophisticated, so has the delivery. APWG says although phishing email volume has dropped, scammers are more carefully honing emails to have maximum success.
Previous story: E-mail “eviction notices” likely loaded with malware
Clicking on phishing links can infect our computers, tablets and smartphones with malware or lead us to spoof sites designed to trick us into sharing our private info. Increasingly, spammers use a combo of the two.
Since scammers have upped their game, it’s time for a quick refresher on phishing.
Some clues that you’re being phished: (Click the link to view the graphic at full size)
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