Phishing and vishing: Differences, how they work, and how to protect yourself

Being the victim of a digital scam is one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you. And the worst part is realizing how naive you were to fall for it, and how easy it would have been to avoid it. Speaking of which, let's take a closer look. Two methods commonly used by cybercriminals: phishing and vishingtheir differences, how they work, and above all, how to protect yourself.

Phishing and vishing: Two different ways to trick you

It's incredible how creative cybercriminals are in ensnaring their victims. They not only possess digital skills to steal sensitive data, but also social skills to manipulate, deceive, and persuade. An example of this is... notification bombing attacks, also known as MFA Fatigue, who take advantage of your tiredness to make you make mistakes.

Phishing and vishing are also two types of digital scams that combine various strategies to achieve the same goal: to deceive you. The former has been in use longer and consists of... "fishing" (fishing) of confidential data through messages, emails and fake websitesThe criminal casts the bait using these digital means, hoping that the victim will bite.

Vishing, on the other hand, is a variant of phishing that has the same goal but is carried out using a different method. The term combines the words Voice y Phishing, warning that The criminal will use his voice to deceive you.They may contact you through one or more phone calls, or leave you messages or voice notes pretending to be someone they are not.

• So the main difference between phishing and vishing is the attack channel used.
• With the first one, the criminal uses digital means (mail, SMS, networks) to interact with his victim.
• The second one uses telephone means such as calls or voice messages.

Now, How exactly do these traps work, and what can you do to protect yourself? Let's talk about it.

How phishing and vishing work

The most effective way to protect yourself from phishing and vishing is to understand how these attacks are orchestrated. Behind every malicious email or fraudulent call lies a complex web of elements. Of course, you don't need to know them all or have a criminal mind, but it is important to understand how they work. In this way, It will be easier to detect warning signs and know what to do to thwart the attack.

Phishing: The digital hook

How does phishing work? Basically, it consists of a massive, automated attack that seeks to "fish" for as many victims as possible. To do this, The attacker prepares and sends a "bait": thousands of fraudulent communications via email, SMS (smishing) or social media messages.

The thing is, everyone These messages are designed to appear legitimate and to come from a trusted source.It could be your bank, your social network, Netflix, a messaging company, or even your IT department. But there's something else: the message usually create a sense of urgency or alarm in order to cloud your judgment.

Some common phishing phrases are: "Your account will be suspended in 24 hours," "Suspicious activity detected," or "You have a package on hold, please confirm your details." What the attacker is looking for is create panic so that you click on a malicious link believing that this will solve the problem.

The link takes you to a website that looks legitimate: the design, logo, and tone of voice are identical to the official ones. The URL, however, will be slightly different, but you won't notice. At the site's request, Enter your credentials (username, password, credit card details, etc.). And so, all that sensitive information falls directly into the hands of the scammer.

Vishing: The Voice of Deception

If phishing is like a hook, vishing is like a targeted harpoon, and the attack channel is usually a phone call. This strategy is much more personalized: it's aimed at a specific user. The scammer calls him directly, often using identity theft techniques.

That's why the call seems so legitimate: the phone screen displays the number of a real institution, like a bank or the police. Furthermore, the criminal on the other end... He is trained to express himself convincinglyTone of voice, vocabulary… he speaks just like a technical support agent, a bank officer, or even a government representative.

In this way, the scammer gains your trust and then informs you of a "problem" that you must solve with their cooperation. To do this, they ask you to provide information, forward a code, install a remote access application or that transfer money to a "secure account" to "protect" itWhatever it is, their goal is the same: to deceive and rob you.

Effective measures to protect yourself from phishing and vishing

Now you have a clear idea of ​​how phishing and vishing work. But the most important question remains: what can you do to protect yourself? Your best allies against these threats are skepticism and distrust.With this in mind, we've listed the most effective measures to prevent phishing and vishing scams:

• Against phishing:
  • check sender And don't trust emails that seem suspicious, even if they use official logos.
  • Don't click on suspicious links. Hover over the link to see the actual URL before clicking.
  • Activate the two step authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Usa password managersas the Bitwarden o 1Passwordbecause they will not autofill your credentials on fake websites.
  • Keep your browsers updated and install a powerful antivirus.
• Against vishing:
  • Again, distrust of unexpected calls, especially if they ask for personal information or remote access.
  • Don't let yourself be pressured by urgency. If you feel pressure, it's a warning sign..
  • Do not share confidential information over the phoneRemember that legitimate banks and companies NEVER request sensitive data in that way.
  • Never install software at the request of a phone call.even if it is legitimate software.
  • Verify the identity of the person you are speaking with. For example, Hang up and call the official number directly. Company.
  • Blocks suspicious numbers and carry any attempt at phishing and vishing.

In short, don't fall for phishing and vishing scams. You are your own best defense, so Don't let them play with your trust, fear, or urgency.Stay calm, follow the suggestions mentioned above, and stand firm against cybercrime.