What to Do if you Open a Phishing Link
What to Do if you Open a Phishing Link

Phishing is the most prevalent cybersecurity threat today, accounting for more than 90% of all cyberattacks. This scam has been a major threat to email security for many decades. A malicious actor pretends to be a trusted party and sends fraudulent emails in an attempt trick victims into downloading malware or sharing sensitive credentials. Phishers use social engineering techniques to create convincing attacks campaigns that are well-researched and convincing. Phishing emails can contain malicious URLs which direct users to fraudulent sites where credentials are collected. However, attackers are now increasingly using stealthy files techniques to evade detection.

What should you do if a Phishing Link was clicked?

If you fall for a phishing scheme, you need to know what you can do to protect your information and recover from it. No matter if you clicked on the phishing link from your computer, smartphone, iPhone, or Android device. These are the steps to take if you suspect or know that you have been attacked.

Follow these steps if you suspect that your device has been infected after clicking on a phishing URL.

Disconnect your device form the internet

  • If you click on a phishing hyperlink, the first thing you should do is to immediately disconnect your device. This will prevent malware spreading to other devices on your network. If your wired connection is used, unplug the device from your laptop or computer. Disconnect your Wi-Fi device from the network if it is connected to internet.

Back up your device

  • If you click on a phishing hyperlink, the second thing to do is to back up your device. You could lose or damage your data if you click on a phishing URL. You can backup your data using an external device, such as a USB. This doesn’t require you to have internet access. You should pay attention to sensitive data, irreplaceable files and corporate information.

Check your device for malware

  • If you click on a phishing hyperlink, the third thing to do is to scan your device to make sure it is safe from malware. You may need to have a professional help you scan your device for malware if you don’t know how to use anti-virus software or aren’t tech-savvy. Run your anti-virus software and scan your device. Any suspicious files should be removed. The malware can be disguised as legitimate files, making it easier for anti-virus scanners to miss them.

Modify your credentials

  • If you click on a phishing URL, the fourth thing to do is to update your credentials for the account that you were sent the malicious link to. Strong passwords and multifactor authentication are essential to your email security. Learn how to create a strong password.

Allow web content filtering

  • If you click on a phishing email link, the fifth thing to do is to activate security features to protect yourself from malicious links. Enable web content filtering if phishing emails continue to arrive in your inbox. This will ensure that even if you click on the link, your browser will block it from infecting your computer with malware. To prevent phishing attempts, web content filtering can be used as a proactive tool.

Register for cyber security awareness training

  • Education is the best way to avoid falling for phishing links. A Networks provides online cyber security awareness training. It covers a variety of cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware, USB dropping, and social engineering attacks. Contact us to enroll in our security awareness training program. Learn more about Cyber security awareness training.

Avoid Phishing Links and Costly Clicks

A malicious link embedded within phishing emails can lead to financial loss, account compromise, data theft and even financial loss. A single wrong click can cause serious reputation damage, significant downtime or even the permanent closure of businesses. In phishing scams, sensitive information can be used to initiate fraudulent wire transfer fraud. This involves a victim being tricked into paying money to an attacker’s account. According to the FBI, wire transfer fraud cost $221 million in 2019. only 15% of wire fraud has been reported. In order to further compromise accounts, email accounts compromised by phishing attacks could also be used in account compromise (EAC), scams.

You can install malware on your device by clicking on a phishing URL or opening an attachment from one of these messages. It is hidden from the user’s view so it is not obvious. Sometimes, clicking on a phishing link can lead to the installation of ransomware or spyware. Ransomware victims often experience severe downtime and data losses.

Protect your business from phishing attacks by using a layered, supplementary cloud email security system. It offers malicious URL Protection and multiple email authentication protocol to detect spoofing and prevent fraudsters.

Final Thought

Phishing links have been one of the most common internet threats. It is important to understand what to do after clicking on a phishing hyperlink. You can also read this article to learn more about Phishing and how to avoid them.

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