Every day, new and more sophisticated scams emerge, targeting people and businesses of all sizes. From fraudulent emails to more complex attacks, the risks are everywhere.
Therefore, in this article, written in collaboration with Ikatec Information Security Specialist mom database Claudio Souza, we will explore the most common scams on the internet and provide practical tips on how you can protect yourself.
Phishing : The bait to try to trick you
Phishing is one of the most common digital scams. Scammers use messages via email, social media or phone calls that appear to be legitimate to capture your attention, exploiting emotions such as curiosity, fear, charity or the promise of financial gain.
The goal is to trick you into taking actions they want, such as sharing personal information, credentials, clicking on dangerous links, or downloading malicious files.
How it works:
Scammers send messages that appear to be legitimate, thus tricking the victim into clicking on a link or downloading an attachment. These links often lead to fake websites where the victim's data is stolen or malware (malicious software) is installed on the device.
How to avoid:
Check the sender : Before clicking on any link, check that the email address is actually from the institution.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links : Be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency, such as “Your account will be blocked” or “Click here to win a prize.”
Always pay attention to the spelling of words , especially in names and URLs, scammers usually use similar words to try to deceive us, for example: “banco d0 brazil” instead of “Banco do Brasil”.
Use two-factor authentication (2FA) : This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for criminals to access your accounts.
Ransomware: When your data is hijacked
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's data and demands payment (usually in cryptocurrency) to restore it. As such, this scam can cause significant financial and reputational damage.
How it works:
The malware is installed on the system through malicious links or infected attachments. Once activated, it blocks access to the victim’s files and data, displaying a message demanding ransom payment.
How to avoid:
Perform frequent backups : Keep offline backups of your data to ensure that if an attack occurs, you still have access to it.
Keep your software up to date : Make sure your operating system and antivirus always have the latest security updates installed.
Avoid downloading attachments from unknown emails : Especially in unexpected messages or from senders you don't know.