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Important Tips to Avoid Spear Phishing Attacks
Although it is a simple solution, regularly updating an operating system can help users combat spear phishing. Patches are typically included in software updates to address any security flaws

By
Apac CIOOutlook | Friday, September 17, 2021
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Although it is a simple solution, regularly updating an operating system can help users combat spear phishing. Patches are typically included in software updates to address any security flaws. Without these patches, a user's device is a breeding ground for malware.
Fremont, CA: The COVID-19 pandemic provided an ideal setting for spear phishing attacks. Cybercriminals were capable of sending countless spear-phishing emails each day by taking advantage of virtual communication, remote working, and the fear surrounding the pandemic. However, there are ways to avoid these attacks and keep your data safe online.
Top five tips for avoiding spear phishing attacks:
Get the Basic Idea of Spear Phishing Attacks
To avoid falling into their trap, it is critical to understand the fundamentals of spear phishing scams and how to spot them. First, double-check the sender's email address as well as the domain name. One may be dealing with a phishing scam if it does not match the sender or uses a public domain. Users should check the email body text. Users should look for spelling and grammatical errors and see if the email is written in the same style as previous messages from the alleged sender. On a desktop computer, infected links are easy to spot. Simply hover over them to see the true URL and where it leads. Avoid it if it takes users to a suspicious website or one that does not match the displayed link. It is most likely a scam.
Keep System Security Updated
Although it is a simple solution, regularly updating an operating system can help users combat spear phishing. Patches are typically included in software updates to address any security flaws. Without these patches, a user's device is a breeding ground for malware.
Effective, up-to-date anti-malware solutions are another critical component of phishing prevention. These will detect spear-phishing emails at the security gateway and eliminate the need for users to worry about them.