A single click can be the difference between your computer’s security and suffering massive data or financial losses. From the moment you take the bait in a phishing email, your system and valuable information are placed at risk. Here are a few ways to quickly spot the red flags to help keep you and your family safe

Poor spelling and grammar
While occasional typos happen to even the best of us, an email filled with errors is a clear warning sign. Most companies push their campaigns through multiple review stages where errors are blitzed and language is refined. Unlikely errors throughout the entire message indicate that the same level of care was not taken, and therefore the message is likely fraudulent.

An offer too good to be true
Free items or a lottery win sure sound great, but when the offer comes out of nowhere and with no catch? There’s definitely cause for concern. Take care not to get carried away and click without investigating deeper.

Random sender who knows too much
Phishing has advanced in recent years to include ‘spear phishing’, which is an email or offer designed especially for you. Culprits take details from publically available channels, such as your social media accounts, and then use it against you. The only clues? You don’t remember them at all, so always take a moment to see if their story checks out. Also, make sure that your social media privacy settings are up to date.

The URL or email address is not quite right
One of the most effective techniques used in phishing emails is to use domains that sound “almost” right. For example, [microsoft.info.com] or [pay-pal.com]. Hover over the link with your mouse and review where it will take you. If it doesn’t look right or is completely different from the link text, send that email to the bin.

It asks for personal or financial information
Alarm bells should ring when a message contains a request for personal, business or financial information.  If you believe there may be a genuine issue, you can initiate a check using established, trusted channels.

While education is the best way to ensure phishing emails are unsuccessful, a robust spam filter and solid anti-virus system provide peace of mind that you have the best protection available.

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https://acdoctors.com.au/