All About Online Threats – Save Your Phones from Cyber Attacks

A cyber-attack is executed via mobile text message, email or social media messages. Cybercriminals dig out the personal and sensitive information from innocent citizens by deception. Online attacks are done by sending a fraudulent SMS to a person to steal away their data. It is accommodated by malware or imposter websites. Providing your personal information is identical to tossing your account keys to a thief.

What are the Damaging Consequences of Online Attacks?

The damage caused by online attacks can be severe enough to cost a person his wealth and defamation.

The fraudsters are after your data and use the information to commit cyber offenses. Your kids are not safe too. Don’t worry, some of authentic Android monitoring applications provide a level of protection against online threats.

What are Some Common Online Threats?

The hackers use two primary methods to steal your personal information;

1. Malware URLs:

Cybercriminals send the URLs through an SMS or email. Upon accessing the link, malicious software known as malware installs itself on your mobile. This malware steals away susceptible information from your mobile or accesses your accounts connected with your mobile.

2. Mischievous Websites:

A message received by fraudsters contains a link to a fake website that tricks people into believing it as a legitimate website. These websites ask people for confidential information, and as they type in the personal information, it hacks their accounts. The fake website is so close to the reputable website. It successfully mimics them to win the trust of a target person.

The new trend of “bring your own device” (BYOD) at work is paving a path for online attacks on businesses and companies as people connect their devices to the organization networks and access the potentially confidential data. The business network itself becomes vulnerable because of hidden spy applications.

To explain cyber-attacks in detail, let’s unpack how it works.

How Online Threats Attack?

Deceiving people and committing fraud are the fundamental objectives of attackers. The attacker projects an identity you trust, and eventually, you fall victim to their malicious goals. The online attackers manipulate the victim’s decision-making ability by social engineering assaults. The motive force is tripartite.

1. Breaking Trust:

When a person receives a text from an individual or an organization they are familiar with, they naturally lower their guard regarding skepticism and threats, which gives an edge to the cybercriminals.

2. Exploiting Context:

The hackers disguise the message in a tone of relevant circumstances to negate the spamming suspicion.

3. Playing with Emotions:

When emotions take over, logic is thrown out of the window. Cybercriminals do precisely this. They intensify the victim’s feelings, and their critical thinking ceases to function.

Who are The Targets Of Online Attacks?

Any individual, group of people or organization can be a target. However, they are commonly based on the regional location or connection to an organization. People in specific communities, employees of particular companies, mobile network users, etc., can be targeted by online attackers.

These attackers lookout for younger prey.

What are the Phases of Online Attack?

The online attack is threefold.

• Sending text bait to target
• Stealing target information by betrayal
• Execution of cybercrimes involving financial and identity theft

Online attack is not limited to stealing the money of an individual. It also targets identity fraud and the company’s confidential data leakage.

What are the Types of Online Attacks?

Cyber threats consist of similar methods with different presentations to keep them fresh. The endless remodeling of online attacks makes it nearly impossible to make a list. However, the core characteristics of malicious activities can prevent you from becoming their victim.

Here are some common characteristics of cyber scams;

• Financial Services:

Mainly pose as a bank or financial organization.

• Gift:

They offer limited-time discounts or products for FREE.

• Invoice Confirmation:

These scammers send false purchase billing or order confirmation.

• Customer Support:

They send a false resolution message of an error connected to your account.

Warning Signs:

• Asking for a social security number, credit card expiry date, etc.
• Public health safety updates
• US census request
• Loans and investments
• Urgent request to access account details
• Free services or products
• Follow up link for fake billing invoice
• Attempt to reset your password
• Issue with billing
• Resolution to a fake customer complaint

How to Secure Mobile Data from Online Attacks?

Take the following steps to keep your mobile data secure.

• Unresponsive:

Don’t give in to your curiosity. online attackers feed on your anxiety. So don’t engage and don’t respond.

• Urgency:

There is no need to hurry. Take your time, evaluate the situation and respond accordingly.

• Call Directly:

If you have a hint of doubt about the received message, then call the respective authorities directly.

• Fishy Phone Numbers:

A four-digit number indicated the use of the email-to-text tactic. Scammers mostly use them to hide their true identities.

• Don’t Open Links:

Instead of accessing links sent in the message, go to the official contact mediums.

• No Information In Digital Wallet:

Please don’t keep your credit card or account details in the digital wallet as they can be compromised easily.

• Use MFA:

A multi-factor authentication method keeps your account impenetrable from cybercriminals.

• Texting Passwords Is Wrong:

It is not sensible to send your passwords or recovery codes via text messages. Only use them on official websites.

Concluding Thoughts:

It is important to remember that malware attacks are similar to Email phishing-a trickery crime. Don’t be fooled by the cybercriminals’ text messages. They try to trick you into accessing a malicious link or sending a response message they are after. The text message itself is harmless until you decide to respond to it. Even a simple reply like “Stop” can bring harm to your data.  However, if you are alert about these malicious activities, you can save your loved ones from online attacks. We recommend using the NexaSpy app to keep kids safe from threats.