Skip to main content

Phishing in your Email

What is Phishing? Well, it is where cybercriminals "try to obtain financial or other confidential information from Internet users, typically by sending an e-mail that looks as if it is from a legitimate organization, usually a financial institution, but contains a link to a fake Web site that replicates the real one."  (Thank you reference.com for this definition.)

A prime example was an email that I received today.. There are some hints that will allow you to identify this deception.

Click on image for larger view.
 First, look at the "From" email address.. update+5ds.... @plazatheater.nl. It isn't a Facebook address although sometime they will use an address that has the words in there, such as Facebook so read it carefully.  

Second, I have more than one email address. and this phishing email came to an address that I do not have listed on Facebook.  This may or may not apply to you, but it does make me think about the email being a scam.

Third, when I hover my cursor arrow over the links, your email software will show you the address. The links in this email are not to Facebook but to some other URL address (netrxcialis.be). Since when has Facebook been into Cialis distribution? 

So these red flags let me know that this is garbage designed to try and get me to give away my personal information or try and con me into clicking on the link and going to their website.  This is another a prime example of social engineering.  Play it safe, online and off. The internet is a great place, with tons of information but you need to be "street smart" and don't get scammed. ☺

Another Phishing Email





Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Digital Marketing for the Small Business

OutMarket has put out in interesting white paper on " 15 Ideas to Grow with Digital Marketing ".  Online marketing is not just for the big guys but is easily available for small businesses and you need to take advantage of that opportunity to level the playing field in your industry. The article provides some of the first steps in developing your online marketing plan and well worth reading. Some small business owners want to save funds and do it themselves but you might want to consider hiring this out to an online marketing specialist so you can focus on YOUR business. Twitter, Facebook, Google Analytics and social media monitoring can monopolize your time, taking you away from running your business. Shameless plug, McAllister Park Design can help you with your online marketing and increase your exposure online to potential clients. We will work with you as a consultant to help you develop a plan or as your regular marketing guru, your choice.

Google: Now you know!

Google has released clear information on how to perform better in search engines. Provide useful, legitimate content!  This update is called the " Helpful Content Update " and it is clear that original, informative information is king.  A new sitewide ranking system is being added which awards people with good quality content.  Now, this isn't really new, but it clarifies that your ranking can be impacted and if you are a subject matter expert in your field or business, make it shine!  Utilize your website as informational, not just a short brochure or a business card.  Show your knowledge and experience and make it work for your organically. 

How Do We Prepare Students for a Global Knowledge Economy?

I recently participated in a discussion regarding the direction of our community here in Northwest Georgia. Although many candidates for our county commission would like to see more manufacturing jobs, I truly feel that we are not preparing our students to be part of the 'global economy'. Why are we happy with more retail jobs at minimum wage or warehouse  jobs for $10 per hour?  In our community we can strive to provide a better education geared toward the future. We can also improve our local economy with drawing technology related businesses that are required to have access to highways and won't require more truck routes into our area. We, as a community, aren't preparing our students to strive for better jobs. We, as a community need to move into the 21st century before its too late. Check out this seminar on preparing our students for a global knowledge economy.  I hope you will consider the need to prepare your children for the world with soft skills such as d