Knowing how to recognize an example of phishing can be the difference between maintaining your online security and falling victim to a damaging cyber attack. Chances are, you've already come into contact with phishing in some form: these malicious attempts to deceitfully gather your information through digital methods are becoming alarmingly common.

Let’s dive into some real-life examples to help you identify what phishing looks like and how you can best protect yourself.

What is Phishing?

Before going into the nitty-gritty, it’s critical to define precisely what phishing is. In short, phishing is a type of online scam where criminals impersonate legitimate organizations via email, text message, advertisement, or other online activity, aiming to steal sensitive data such as credit card or login information. Essentially it is a con game, and as in any game, you become a lot less likely to lose if you recognize the practices of your opponent.

Real-Life Phishing Attack Examples

Now that we understand what phishing is, let's delve into real-world examples of phishing attacks.

Example 1: The IRS Email Scam

One common example of phishing is the impersonation of a government body. Like in the case of an IRS email scam, where the attacker poses as an IRS official to deceitfully gain personal information. The email might claim that the user is entitled to a tax refund and provide a link for them to enter their personal details. An unsuspecting user could easily fall for the scam because the email creates urgency and the fake IRS website is crafted to look exactly like the genuine one.

Example 2: The Company Executive Email Phishing

Another sophisticated example of phishing is a spoofed email, seemingly sent by a company executive. In this scam, the attacker sends an email to an employee posing as a senior executive - often the CEO. The email usually contains an urgent request to wire some funds. The unsuspecting employee, believing that they are aiding an executive, may unknowingly facilitate a significant financial loss for their company.

Example 3: The COVID-19 Phishing Scam

The last year has seen a wave of COVID-19 themed phishing attacks. Essentially, attackers send out emails pretending to be health organizations – such as the World Health Organization. These emails often detail urgent safety measures and prompt users to click on a link. However, the link then leads to a fraudulent website where the users' information is taken.

Preventing Phishing Attacks

Armed with the knowledge of what phishing attacks look like, there are steps you can take to prevent falling victim to them. These include making sure your system is up to date with the latest security software, being wary of emails or messages from unknown sources, double-checking email addresses to ensure their legitimacy, and never supplying personal information in response to an email or online message.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, by understanding what an example of phishing looks like, and taking the necessary precautions, you can greatly reduce your chances of falling victim to these insidious digital attacks. Be vigilant with the communications you receive, keep your digital software systems up-to-date, and always adhere to internet best safety practices.