Take the following actions immediately to strengthen your computer’s security against phishing scams:
- Never reply to unsolicited information requests with personal information.
- Only provide personal information on websites with “HTTPS” in the web URL or a lock icon at the top of the browser.
- If you suspect phishing, contact the company named in the email to validate its validity.
- To avoid clicking a link in a phishing message, enter a reliable URL for the company’s website into your browser’s address bar.
- Create unique, complicated passwords for each of your accounts.
- Personal documents should be regularly checked for accuracy, and any differences should be handled immediately.
- Stay away from dubious websites.
- Use secure email conventions:
- Only read emails from senders you recognize.
- If you believe a message to be spam, delete it right away.
- Use a firewall and antivirus protection.
- Protect yourself with anti-spyware software.