In the vast ocean of the internet, phishing scams are the lurking predators waiting for an unsuspecting click. Despite our best efforts to stay vigilant, it's possible to fall into the trap of a phishing scam. Fear not! This article will guide you on what to do if you find yourself fallen for a phishing scam. What is Phishing? Phishing is one of the most popular and common cyber scams, whereby cybercriminals either send malware or steal your sensitive information by pretending to be a legitimate sender (i.e. online store, a bank, your family or friends). Phishing is a form of social engineering, which means that cybercriminals use psychology to convince their victims to take an action they may not normally take. Here is a guide to spot the signs of phishing, click here. What To Do If I Fell For A Phishing Scam Here are some simple steps you can take: 1) Change Affected Passwords
Immediately change the passwords for the affected accounts to prevent further unauthorised access. It is also best to change all accounts' passwords (if you can). Ensure that your passwords are strong and unique for extra security. They must be at least 12 characters long, which includes a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters. 2) Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) MFA isn't just an option; it's a necessity. By using another form of ID, such as security tokens, biometrics, SMS authorisation codes or authenticator apps will help add an extra layer of security. This will make it harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access to your online accounts, even if they steal your password. 3) Contact Affected Institutions If you share any financial information (such as your bank account number, passwords, PIN number), notify your bank and credit card companies. This can help you recover any lost finances but also prevent any further losses. The bank and credit card providers will also monitor for any suspicious transactions. It is also important to alert relevant social media platforms and request assistance in securing or closing compromised accounts. 4) Scan your device for malware or viruses If there was a suspicious link or attachment in the email or text message, it is best to run a thorough scan of your device to detect and remove any malware or viruses that might have been downloaded during the phishing incident. 5) Report the Phishing Incident If you have incurred monetary loss, loss of personal information, or discovered that your online account has been compromised or hacked, file a police report IMMEDIATELY. In Singapore, you can file a report via calling the police hotline at 1800 255 0000, or using the I-Witness eService, or file at any nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre or Post. If you are in Singapore and need to seek any scam-related advice, you can call the anti-scam hotline: 1800-772 6688 or visit scamalert.sg 6) Regularly Monitor Your Accounts Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and other sensitive accounts for any unauthorised activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to the respective institution and take necessary action. Conclusion Falling victim to a phishing scam doesn't mark the end of your cybersecurity journey; it's a crucial lesson to learn from. By acting swiftly, reporting the incident, and fortifying your digital defences, you can rise stronger and wiser from the experience. Remember, in the face of a phishing scam, your resilience and proactive response can set you on the path to a safer and more secure online voyage. Stay vigilant, stay educated, and let adversity be the wind in your cybersecurity sails. Related Topics Unmasking Phishing: Your Guide to Spotting The Signs of Phishing The Rise Of Phishing: Safeguarding Against Digital Deception Protect Yourself: Best Practices to Combat Phishing Attack The Risks of Public Wi-Fi & Tips On How To Stay Safe Is This QR Code Safe? Top Tips to Ensure Your QR Scans are Secure Comments are closed.
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