NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD
Ever come across a link as you scroll through social
media, browser, and email. A link that is tagged with a headline that promises
you heaven on earth, ‘Click HERE TO EARN 30,000KSH PER DAY’? Because you
are broke, lonely, or tired of your current pay slip and small salary you are
tempted to click it.
I empathetically
understand you, who wouldn’t want to be a millionaire in a month. In another occasion you have wanted a very expensive item, then a link appears as
you scroll with an offer that is too good to be true, unrealistic price, but you
have desired this item for a very long time and this link is an answered
prayer. Temptations again. We all have been in this kind of situation.
However, before temptation takes over and blame the devil later, 🤣 here is something you should know about malicious links.
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| various methods of malicious link |
Phishing Epidemic
The phishing epidemic occurs through websites and emails. They are designed by criminals to look real by mirroring trusted organizations such as social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok) as well as banks and financial institutions like Safaricom. Criminals trick you into giving sensitive and personal data such as credit card details, PINs, and passwords.
When you click the link and fall for the bait, your data is stolen, leaving you
vulnerable to identity theft and financial loss. We have witnessed or
experienced this loss and so have organizations.
Malware Menace
Is your computer or phone misbehaving? You clicked on a link
that had malware software that was messing with your gadget. How does this work?
When you click the malicious link, malware is downloaded on your data to
steal your information and spy on your activity. Depending on the mission of
the cybercriminal, they may even take control of your smart gadget. This malware
is installed in a way that you will not detect them that easily, so peeps be extra
careful.
Download dilemma
Some links express themselves as downloads for updates or software. It can be free software they will download unwanted programs that are harmful to device and slow down your computer and phone. Remember, cybercriminals know that you need anti-protection software, hence they can imitate software to trap you. If it seems too good to be true when it's free, take a step backward.
SAFETY BAG
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| hover over the link before clicking |
Before you click a link, hover over the link, it will show
you the actual URL of the message. Examine if it looks different from the
website it claims to be from. For instance, a message may claim to be from
Equity Bank when the link is totally different. Furthermore, trust your gut.
Take precautions and further steps by searching for the data
directly on reputable websites such as Virus Total.
Ensure that your Operating system, anti-virus software, and
browsers are up to date to prevent vulnerability to illegal hackers.
Remember the rule on passwords. Ensure they are strong and unique for every account you own. Password managers are helpful tools. For more on password rules password rules
Remember Prevention is better than cure
Not all that glitters is gold
References
This informative thank for the insightful message
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