Understanding What is Phishing?
Phishing is a deceptive tactic used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information or gain access to your online accounts. These attempts often involve emails, messages, ads, or websites designed to look like legitimate sources you trust.
Phishing attacks aim to trick you into providing sensitive details like your passwords, bank account information, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. Be vigilant: attackers may impersonate your bank, social media platforms, or even someone you know.
Key Tips How to Avoid Phishing Messages & Content
To protect yourself, always be aware of potential risks. Here are some key strategies:
Pay Attention to Google Warnings: Google uses advanced security measures to alert you to potentially dangerous messages or unsafe websites. If you see a warning, avoid clicking links, downloading attachments, or entering personal information.
Never Provide Private Information on Request: Never respond to requests for your private info via email, text, or phone calls. Only share contact details with reputable websites after verification. Avoid posting your contact details on public forums.
Beware of Suspicious Links: If you're logged into your Google Account, Google won't ask for your password via email. If you're prompted to enter your password after clicking a link, go directly to the website instead.
Recognize Urgency and False Promises: Scammers use emotional tactics to manipulate you. Be wary of urgent messages that appear to come from trusted sources (friends, family, or work colleagues) and verify the message's authenticity through a different communication channel. Similarly, be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true.
Tools & Techniques Tools to Help Protect Against Phishing
Use these tools to enhance your online security and avoid phishing attempts:
Gmail's Phishing Detection: Gmail automatically identifies and warns you about suspicious emails. Check the sender's address and ensure it matches the sender's name. Hover over links to verify the URL before clicking.
Chrome's Safe Browsing: Enable Safe Browsing in Chrome to receive alerts about malware, phishing, and potentially unsafe sites. Consider using Enhanced Protection for additional safeguards.
Check Saved Passwords: Regularly review and change any unsafe passwords saved in your Google Account.
Enable Password Alert for Chrome: Get notified if you enter your Google Account password on a non-Google site.
2-Step Verification: Add an extra layer of security to your account by enabling 2-Step Verification.
“Be vigilant! Phishing attacks can look incredibly convincing. Always double-check the sender and the links before taking action.
Google Security Team
Take Action Now!
Strengthen your online security with these steps:
Check Your Google Account Security
Review your recent security activity and manage your password at myaccount.google.com.
Enable 2-Step Verification
Add an extra layer of security to your Google Account.
Report Suspicious Emails
Help protect yourself and others by reporting phishing attempts in Gmail.
Reporting Report Phishing Emails
Help keep the online world safe by reporting phishing emails. When Google identifies a potential phishing or suspicious email, you'll see a warning or the message will be moved to your Spam folder.
To report a phishing email in Gmail, open the message, click 'More', and then 'Report phishing'. When you report an email as phishing, Google receives a copy to improve its spam and abuse protection.