Phishing Cybercrime Prevention Tips: Protect Yourself from Online Scams
May 21, 2025 - Phishing is currently the most common and most successful type of cyber-attack. This initial guide should help you better identify and defend against those attacks. In it, we explain what phishing is, help you to use critical thinking skills to defend against them, and provide you with a collection of valuable resources from our partner websites.
How to Recognize Phishing Scammers
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they're often successful. The ultimate phishing protection guide for 2026 provides tips from our cybersecurity experts on how to recognize, prevent, and respond to phishing attacks.
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11 Tips to Protect Yourself from Phishing
- Use a secure internet connection: Avoid using public Wi-Fi or unsecured networks to access sensitive information.
- Verify sender information: Be cautious of emails or messages from unknown senders, and always check the sender's email address.
- Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of security.
- Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches.
- Use a reputable antivirus program: Install and regularly update an antivirus program to protect your device from malware.
- Be cautious of attachments and links: Avoid opening suspicious attachments or clicking on links from unknown senders.
- Use a password manager: Use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each account.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
- Report phishing attempts: Report suspicious emails or messages to your email provider or IT team.
- Use a phishing filter: Use a phishing filter, such as SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, to block known phishing websites.
Additional Resources
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is the central hub for reporting cyber-enabled crime. It is run by the FBI, the lead federal agency for investigating crime. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provides information on cybersecurity best practices to help individuals and organizations implement preventative measures and manage cyber risks.
