Don’t get caught in the phishing net
In Belgium, 9% of the internet users had financial losses because of fraudulent messages (Eurostat 2015). Criminals are making increasingly creative attempts at tricking people, using false messages that are so convincing that you will take the bait:
- they will send you false messages that are so convincing that you will open the attachment,
- they will promise you large rewards if you complete a questionnaire and leave your details,
- they will issue threats if you do not respond,
- and they are using more and more channels (e-mail, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.).
You have probably already come across suspicous e-mails in your mailbox, which fish for sensitive information. That’s why the Centre for Cyber Security Belgium and the Cyber Security Coalition are launching a national cyber security awareness campaign on phishing, as part of the European Cyber Security Month.
As everyone – professional and occasional internet users, gamers and social media addicts – should know how to identify fake messages and how to best react: getting rid of by deleting the message.
So think twice each time you receive a message, search for elements that could indicate a suspicious message, and if you have the slightest doubt, forward suspicious messages to [email protected].
