What is Phishing?
By Rob Tilelli - March 14, 2025
In today’s digital world, it is no secret that the internet is integrated with everything we do, banking, shopping, staying connected with friends, and much more. It’s a great luxury that brings a ton of convenience to your fingertips. But this convenience comes with a cost, an online presence and digital footprint. Attackers take advantage of this to obtain information that they wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) normally have.
What is Phishing?
In its simplest form, phishing is the process of using “bait” to lure an unsuspecting user into giving away information that they normally wouldn’t. What attackers are looking for can vary, most commonly they are looking for login credentials, or banking information. Attackers utilize several methods to reach out to a potential victim.
How to Protect yourself from Phishing
Now that we have covered what phishing is, you may be asking, “what can I do to prevent this?”
Go Back What is Phishing?
In its simplest form, phishing is the process of using “bait” to lure an unsuspecting user into giving away information that they normally wouldn’t. What attackers are looking for can vary, most commonly they are looking for login credentials, or banking information. Attackers utilize several methods to reach out to a potential victim.
- Email Phishing – This is the most common form of phishing. Attackers will send an email posing as a reputable person or organization attempting to obtain personal information.
- Text Phishing (Smishing) – Attackers will send a text message that looks like it’s from a reputable person or organization, attempting to obtain personal information.
- Phone Phishing (Vishing)- Attackers will call posing as a reputable person or organization attempting to obtain personal information.
How to Protect yourself from Phishing
Now that we have covered what phishing is, you may be asking, “what can I do to prevent this?”
- Be Cautious of unexpected messages – If you receive an email or text that you aren’t expecting asking you to click or share personal information, be suspicious. Companies typically won’t ask for this kind of information over email or text.
- Look for typos- Often times an attacker will have a misspelt email address, for example “Support@bank1.com” instead of “Support@bank.com”. If you’re unsure call the bank directly to verify.
- Look for red flags – Phishing attempts often provide a sense of urgency. “Your account will be deleted.”, “immediate action required”, “Your account has been compromised.”. The purpose being to cause a sense of panic and have you click before you give proper thought.
- Be Present – This is the best piece of advice we can give. Attacks are most successful when the victim isn’t paying full attention or is multitasking.