UAE National Cybersecurity Strategy Alignment

What Are Phishing Emails?

Phishing emails are fake messages sent by hackers. These emails look like they’re from real companies, but their goal is to trick you into giving away personal information, like your passwords or credit card details. Sometimes, they make you download harmful files. At ProteSecure, we study these tricks to help you stay safe.

Top Phishing Tricks You Should Know

1. Fake Security Alerts
   Imagine getting an email from PayPal or Netflix saying, “We’ve noticed suspicious activity on your account. Click here to fix it.” This is a common phishing trick. Hackers want you to panic and click the link. But when you do, it takes you to a fake website that steals your login info.
   What to do:

• Always check the sender’s email address.
• Instead of clicking links, go directly to the official website to log in.

2. Dangerous Attachments
   Sometimes, emails come with files that seem harmless, like invoices, contracts, or even funny memes. When you open them, they could install harmful software (called malware) on your device. This malware might:

• Steal your passwords.
• Spy on what you type.
• Lock your computer and demand money to fix it.
  What to do:
• Don’t open attachments from unknown senders.
• If you’re not expecting a file, double-check with the sender first.

3. Social Media Scams
   Hackers don’t just use emails—they’re on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and LinkedIn too. They might:

• Send you a message with a weird link saying, “Check this out!”
• Pretend to be a friend or company.
• Create fake profiles to gain your trust.
  When you click these links, they might steal your login details or install harmful software.
  What to do:
• Be cautious of random links, even from people you know.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts for extra security.

4. CEO or Boss Scams
   This one targets people who work in offices. Hackers pretend to be your boss and send you an urgent email saying, “Send $5,000 right now!” or “Share this confidential file with me.” They make it sound super serious to pressure you into acting quickly.
   What to do:

• If you get a strange email from your boss, call or message them to confirm.
• Never rush into sending money or files without double-checking.

5. Fake Job Offers
   Imagine getting an email saying, “We found your resume online. We’d like to offer you a job with a $2,000 bonus!” Sounds great, right? But it’s often a scam. They’ll ask you for personal details like your bank account info to “send your salary.”
   What to do:

• Research the company before replying.
• Never give out personal info unless you’re 100% sure it’s legit.

6. Phone Phishing (Smishing)
   Hackers are now targeting phones too! They send fake text messages (like “You’ve won a prize! Click here to claim it.”) or create fake apps that steal your info.
   What to do:

• Don’t click on links in random texts.
• Only download apps from trusted sources like the App Store or Google Play.

How Phishing Scams Keep Changing

Hackers are always coming up with new tricks, so you need to stay sharp. At ProteSecure, we analyze thousands of phishing emails every few months to see how these scams evolve. By understanding their methods, we can help you avoid falling for them.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Think Before You Click: If an email or message feels off, don’t click on links or open attachments.
• Double-Check the Sender: Hackers often fake email addresses to look real. Always check who sent the email.
• Use Strong Passwords: Don’t use the same password for all your accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security. Even if hackers get your password, they won’t get in without a second code.
• Keep Software Updated: Make sure your phone and computer always have the latest updates to block new threats.

At ProteSecure, we’re here to help you understand phishing scams and protect your information. The more you know about these tricks, the harder it is for hackers to succeed. Stay alert, and don’t let anyone fool you!