How can mobile device users avoid phishing and social engineering attacks?

1 Know the signs

Phishing and social engineering attacks commonly involve impersonating legitimate entities, such as banks, service providers, or contacts. They may use fake emails, text messages, phone calls, or pop-ups to try to get you to click on links, open attachments, or provide information. If you encounter any of the following signs, it could indicate a phishing or social engineering attempt: an unfamiliar sender's address, phone number, or domain name; an urgent, threatening message with a reward that is too good to be true; grammatical errors, typos, or inconsistent formatting; requests to verify, update, or confirm your personal or financial details; and a website that looks different from the official one or has a suspicious URL. Be aware of these signs when dealing with messages from unknown sources.

2 Verify the source

If you receive a message that claims to be from a trusted entity, but you are not sure if it is genuine, do not respond or click on any links or attachments. Instead, verify the source by using a different channel, such as calling the official phone number, visiting the official website, or checking the official social media accounts. Do not use the contact information provided in the message, as it may be fake. You can also check online for reports of similar phishing or social engineering campaigns targeting mobile device users.

3 Use security software

One of the best ways to prevent phishing and social engineering attacks is to use security software on your mobile device. Security software can help you detect and block malicious websites, links, and attachments, as well as scan your device for malware and viruses. Make sure you keep your security software updated and enabled at all times. You can also use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your online traffic and hide your IP address from hackers.

4 Be cautious with public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those in cafes, hotels, or airports, can be convenient but they also present a risk of phishing and social engineering attacks. To protect yourself from hackers intercepting your data or spoofing websites, it's important to take some precautions. Avoid accessing sensitive information when using public Wi-Fi, turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use, and disable automatic connection to unknown networks. Additionally, you can use a VPN to secure your connection and prevent hackers from spying on your online activity.

5 Educate yourself and others

The more you know about phishing and social engineering attacks, the better you can protect yourself and your mobile device. You can learn more about the latest trends and techniques of cybercriminals by following reputable sources of information, such as security blogs, podcasts, or newsletters. You can also share your knowledge and experience with your friends, family, and colleagues, and help them stay safe and alert online.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?