An ex-hacker who now works as a cybersecurity professional has revealed what you should be keeping a keen eye out for in your inbox.
The former cybercriminal who goes by the alias '404', identified the need to prevent oversharing online and how to address the problem of scam emails.
As per '404' "phishing emails were the most common tool used to trick vulnerable users who 'might be more susceptible to scams."
In a report he is quoted as saying "Tactics like phishing, sending fake emails, or creating replica websites were used to trick individuals into revealing personal or financial information. People can avoid them by being sceptical of unsolicited communications and verifying the authenticity of the sender."
He also explained that "full address, bank details and NI numbers, family information among other highly sensitive information offline... those who frequent the world-wide-web to use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, as well as secure trusted devices to evade falling prey to lawless online con artists."
And while antivirus softwires such as McAfee, Norton, Bitdefender were credited for 'generally effective', "regular updates and proper configuration are key."
The five signs of an authentic email are as follows:
- A genuine and verified email address from the organization.
- Use of your actual name instead of generic greetings.
- Proper spelling and grammar.
- Information that is consistent with previous legitimate communications.
- Information that is consistent with previous legitimate communications.