Revel IT, Inc. 2023Stay Vigilant: 5 Tips to Stay Safe from Spam, Phishing, & Smishing Attempts
Learn how you can keep yourself safe from attempts to steal your information online
It is increasingly important to stay vigilant online due to the prevalence of spam, phishing, and smishing attacks. At Revel IT, we are committed to protecting our customers and employees from scams, frauds, or malicious activity.
We want to note that our President, Randy Dean, has recently been impersonated via text and email. If you receive any texts or emails that appear to be from him but are slightly off, please report them as spam and/or phishing to your carrier or email provider. We assure you that we would never ask anyone to purchase anything on our behalf.
Spam
Spam is a form of an unsolicited email sent in bulk, often containing malicious links or attachments which could potentially harm your computer. These messages are sent by spammers who are often looking to gain financially from their actions. Spam emails usually include advertisements for products or services, often misleading or false information, or links to malicious websites. Spam attempts may contain links to websites designed to steal personal or credit card information. These links may look like legitimate websites but are malicious and may contain malware. The links may also take the recipient to a page where they are asked to purchase something or provide personal information.
Spam emails can also contain attachments that contain malicious code. This code can be used to infect a computer or other device and can be used to steal information, send spam emails, or commit other malicious activities.
Phishing
Phishing is a cyber-attack in which an attacker attempts to acquire sensitive information by masquerading as a legitimate, trustworthy entity. The attacker will typically use emails, social media, or malicious websites to deliver their message, often imitating a trusted source such as a bank, credit card company, or government agency. These messages usually contain a link or attachment that the user must click on to access the “legitimate” website or information.
Phishing attempts can be difficult to spot as the attacker often disguises the malicious link or attachment in an otherwise legitimate-looking message. For example, the attacker may use a spoofed email address that appears to come from a legitimate source like your bank. They may also use a link that looks like it belongs to a legitimate website when it leads to a malicious website.
Smishing
Smishing is a form of phishing that uses SMS text messages to communicate. These techniques can be used to steal your personal information, so be cautious when clicking on links or opening emails from unfamiliar sources. It’s also a good idea to keep your passwords secure, update your security settings, and keep your antivirus software up to date.
5 tips to keep yourself safe from spam and phishing attempts.
- Be aware of unsolicited emails from unknown senders. If you receive an email from someone you don’t know, do not open any attachments or click on any links.
- Use spam filters and firewalls to protect your email accounts, computers, and devices.
- Be wary of emails that ask for personal information, such as passwords, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers.
- Be cautious when clicking on links, even if they appear to come from reputable sources.
- Keep your software and operating systems up to date with the latest security updates. This will help protect you from malicious software, such as viruses and malware.
Again, Revel IT is committed to protecting our customers and employees from scams, frauds, or malicious activity. Revel IT will never ask anyone to purchase anything on our behalf. Please be cautious of potential scams and protect your personal information. By remaining vigilant, you can help protect yourself from these malicious attempts to gain access to your data.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
