With the rise of technology, cybercriminals have found new and innovative ways to obtain sensitive information. While Phishing scams and Smishing attacks are still popular cyberattack methods, phone calls have become standard tools for cybercriminals. Vishing is when people use social engineering tactics through voice calls to receive sensitive information.
What is “Vishing”?
Vishing is a dangerous cybercrime that can severely affect individuals and organizations. Vishers can call from a blocked, private, or spoofed phone number, making it easier to impersonate a fellow employee, an authority figure, or any organization you would typically interact with.
They can use different techniques to manipulate victims into providing personal information or taking actions that can harm them or their organization.
Even seemingly insignificant information, such as employee names, titles, or ID numbers, can be helpful to these criminals. That is why it is crucial to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with unknown callers.
Be cautious when sharing personal information with someone from a different organization or within your organization. This applies unless you initiated the call and confirmed the number is legitimate.
External “Vishing” Calls
If someone calls you claiming to be from an organization, verifying their identity is essential. You can check their phone number against the organization’s official website or contact the organization directly to confirm the call.
To confirm the caller’s identity, ask for their name, job title, and contact information. If you need clarification, ask for a callback number or speak to another person in the organization for verification.
Internal “Vishing” Calls
If someone calls you claiming to be from your organization, you should still take steps to verify their identity. You can verify the caller’s identity by comparing their phone number with the one listed in your organization’s internal directory or by directly contacting them.
Additionally, you can ask the caller for their name, job title, and contact information to ensure they are who they claim to be.
Sense of Urgency
Always be suspicious of urgent or unexpected requests for personal information or actions. Vishers often use urgency or fear tactics to pressure their victims into providing information or taking steps that they would not normally do.
Cybercrime Tactics Awareness
Educating yourself and your team about Vishing and other cybercrime tactics is essential. Education sessions and awareness campaigns can help employees recognize and avoid vishing attacks and other cyber threats. Ensure your employees know how to recognize suspicious calls, what information is sensitive, and the procedures for reporting suspicious activity.
Personal Information
Vishing is not limited to obtaining data from your organization, as it also targets personal information. Remember to think twice before answering unfamiliar numbers or calling phone numbers you see in emails, internet ads, or pop-ups.
Always verify the source before providing personal or financial information such as account numbers, credit card numbers, or your social security number.
Conclusion
Vishing is a serious cybercrime that can harm individuals and organizations. Cybercriminals use social engineering tactics to manipulate victims into providing personal information or taking actions that can be harmful. To protect yourself and your organization, it is essential to be careful when dealing with unknown callers and verify the identity of the person calling before providing any sensitive information.
AtNetPlus Cybersecurity Solutions
If you are concerned about your business’s cybersecurity and want to protect it from the ever-evolving dangers of the digital realm, then AtNetPlus is here to help. We offer comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that can help safeguard your business from cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Our team of experts can provide the necessary tools and knowledge to protect your business and employee education to prevent vishing attacks and other cybercrime tactics. Contact us today to learn how we can help you stay ahead of the game and protect your business!
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