Tips: Avoid Phishing Attacks

As taxpayers eagerly await their economic stimulus rebate checks from the IRS, phishers are using the opportunity to defraud consumers. The checks are supposed to start mailing in May, but phishers are using the promise of getting the money sooner, through direct deposit to a bank account, as bait to steal consumers’ identities.

An e-mail, purportedly from the IRS, tells consumers to go to a linked Web site and provide bank account and routing numbers in order to receive their rebates sooner through direct deposit. The e-mail even includes a deadline to increase the sense of urgency. Needless to say, the e-mail is fake and is an attempt by phishers to fool unknowing consumers into giving up their bank account information.

Iconix offers tips to avoid phishing attacks.

1. Automatically block malicious/fraudulent e-mail using spam detectors and filters, but remember they are not foolproof.

2. Download free e-mail identity and Web reputation tools. These tools will help you to easily recognize legitimate e-mails and potentially dangerous Web sites.

3. Ensure that your browser is up to date and security patches applied.

4. Be very cautious opening an e-mail if you do not recognize the sender.

5. Be suspicious of any request for personal information or password changes, even if they appear to be from a legitimate source. Most organizations, including the IRS, will never ask you for personal information via e-mail.

6. Do not use a company link from a financial institution or a retailer included in an e-mail. Use your browser to go the main site and log in.

7. Do not open e-mail attachments unless you know what they are. This is a common way that phishers plant malware on your computer.

8. Use common sense -- if an offer seems too good to be true or an e-mail seems suspicious, delete it immediately.

9. Always ensure that you're using a secure website when submitting credit card or other sensitive information via your Web browser.

10. Regularly monitor all online accounts for any suspicious activity.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Live From ISC West 2024: Post-Show Recap

    ISC West 2024 is complete. And from start to finish, the entire conference was a huge success with almost 30,000 people in attendance. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance. 3

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles. 3