Detect fake BSI mail: the most important features

Fake BSI emails are currently circulating on the Internet to tap user data. We'll show you how to recognize the fake emails and how to protect yourself from the phishing attack.

Recognize a fake BSI email

The Federal Office for Security and Information Technology (BSI) shows an example of a fake email on its homepage. In order to recognize the deceptive emails in good time, you should consider the following features:

• The fake e-mails end up in your mailbox with a general subject - in the example of the BSI this was "Important information regarding your IP address".
• The sender address also looks authentic and makes you believe that the email comes from
• In the letter itself, you will be advised that illegal activity has been detected via your IP address. In order to prove your innocence, a form is attached to the e-mail, in which you should enter personal data and then send it back.

Protection against the phishing attack: This is how you should handle the BSI mail

If you receive an email with the characteristics listed above, you should ignore the instructions and delete the email. If you have already downloaded the form, also check your computer with a current virus scanner.

• Ignore the email and delete it immediately.
• Do not reply to the alleged BSI email and do not open the attachment under any circumstances.
• Scan your computer with a current anti-virus program.
• If you have opened the email on your smartphone or tablet, you should also run a virus scan. If you do not have a virus scanner, we recommend that you install good virus protection for Android.

If you do not have a virus scanner installed on your computer, you will learn in another article which antivirus programs best protect your PC.