3.3 LINKS
Always hover your mouse over the link/button contained in e-mail and check where it leads to.
You need to carefully analyze whole URL to be sure if the link is malicious or not.
Train yourself to doublecheck links to review if they're safe.
Another way I do this is that whenever I receive a message saying there is an issue with any of my accounts, I open a new tab and go to the actual site. I never use direct links in emails either by copy and pasting or pushing the buttons, unless I have just requested the link, such as password issues or verification I am currently working on.
3.3.1. URL shorteners Be extra careful if e-mail contains shortened URL-s. URL shortener is service that shortenes web addresses and makes them more compact. It can also be used to hide malicious links because you can not see which website it leads to.
Legitimate service (exchange, casino, government agency...) would never use URL shortener in their e-mail.
Some examples of URL shorteners are web addresses that have domain these domains:
- t.co
- goo.gl
- bit.ly
- tinyurl.com
Whenever there is a shortened URL in the content of the message, I don't get spoked because I used that a lot and they are just for legitimate purpose. The two favourite tools I use are Google's Safe Browsing tool. I also use the CheckShortURL.com site for shortened bit.ly link. I do this because it helps me check where that link is going.
5. Some phishing scenarios- E-mail states that due to suspicious activity your account was suspended and you have to verify your account by clicking link and fill in in information to regain access
I have gotten this one a lot. I don't think those scammers would ever stop using this trick. Having known this knowledge, we should teach people around us.