
Do Not Click—New Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail Warning For Billions
Recently, a new phishing attack has been discovered by security experts, warning all users of Google’s Gmail, Microsoft’s Outlook, and Apple’s Mail platforms to be cautious when receiving emails from PayPal. The “No Phish” attack, as it is known, is particularly insidious as it uses a genuine PayPal money request feature, making it difficult for even the most discerning individuals to spot the scam.
According to an analysis published by FortiGuard’s chief information security officer, Dr. Carl Windsor, the email in question appears to come from PayPal and contains a legitimate sender address that has not been spoofed. This is a clever trick, as many users may be convinced of the authenticity of the message due to this detail.
To mitigate the threat, experts recommend exercising extreme caution when clicking on unsolicited links or opening attachments from unknown senders. In fact, it’s best not to click on any links at all unless you are 100% certain of their legitimacy.
Microsoft and Apple have provided tailored advice for their users, which is in line with Google’s guidance for Gmail users. The UK National Cyber Security Centre also offers excellent advice pages that can be helpful regardless of the email platform being used.
In summary:
– Do not click on unsolicited links from strangers or untrustworthy sources.
– Avoid clicking on any links if you are unsure of their authenticity, and instead verify the information using a different method.
– Manually enter the address in your browser or search for it on Google to check its legitimacy before proceeding.
– Refrain from opening attachments unless they are expected and come from a highly trusted source.
By following these guidelines, users can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to phishing attacks.
Source: www.forbes.com