Social Engineering Prevention Starts With YOU

The use of fraud is on the rise. More people are finding ways to do this obtain sensitive and confidential data by using social engineering tactics. These measures they are using are becoming somewhat easier to fool even those that put all their safeguards. Below I will provide some guidance to be more cautious and attentive against some of these attacks.

1. Phone Scams are on the rise. When asked for personal or financial information, do not share. Hang up and block the number. A lot of the scammers also use the pre-fix of your number or a number that looks familiar to you. Be cautious of these too. Some scammers even may speak to you in your native language to make you feel more comfortable, this measure is being used to make you feel comfortable. Be very careful as this is a trap too. Slow down and take a deep breath. If it sounds too good to be true, it is not true.

2. E-mail Scams are coming to fool even the brightest people. Before clicking on any link, hover over the URL and see where the URL is taking you too. Some scammers are very slick and change one letter of the URL and you may not even notice it. Make sure every website you visit has https://. Some URLs may be shorten, in that case you can the website: http://checkshorturl.com and search the URL to verify if the website is legit. Make sure to also to look who the e-mail is coming from. Some e-mail addresses are being spoofed.

3. Social Media traps are being placed, by people clicking on unwanted links/ads. Downloading unwanted items is causing issues as well. Sometimes they even manipulate you and target your emotions. They will message you and act like they know you. Be careful what you are positing online. Lastly, make sure you keep your device/computer updated with the most up to date anti-virus software.

Keep Safe, Keep Vigilant

#TheEnterpriseSponge