What is phishing and how can I protect myself against it?

You often hear "phishing" on the Internet - we show you what it is and how you can protect yourself against it.

Phishing: what is it?

The word "phishing" is derived from "fishing" and means fishing for passwords and account details. Fake websites and e-mails try to steal this data from Internet users:

1. You will receive a fake email from your internet provider asking you to update your account details.
2. You open the link in the email and go to the website fraudulent. This looks very similar to the original website, so that users often find it difficult to expose it as a fake.
3. Enter your account details on the website to renew them. However, this will send this data to the fraudsters who have now gained full access to your account.

How to identify phishing websites

• The abbreviation "//" is often missing in phishing websites.
• Address lines that look similar to real ones often appear. However, they contain unusual paragraphs. For example, numbers often appear in the address line.
• You will also often be asked for TAN codes on the websites.

This is how you recognize phishing mails and protect yourself against them

• Email phishing is usually sent as a bulk email. As a result, the fraudsters cover the broadest possible amount and receive more data. As a customer of an alleged company, you will never be addressed by name, but only as a "Dear customer". Pay attention to the correct address in your emails.
• Never click on a link in your emails that should generate a new password or where you should enter your account details. Reputable companies recommend frequent password changes, but only through their own settings in their account. So log in to the original website first and change your password there.

Protection with additional tools

If you want, you can download additional tools that protect you and your PC from data theft.

• BitDefender
• Spyware terminator
• Malwarebytes

In further practical tips, we will show you in more detail how to recognize phishing emails and phishing pages.