Decoding Cybersecurity: What Makes You Click that Link?

In most cases, it is smart people who fall prey to superficial links. It’s not always smart hacking but mostly old tricks outplaying even the best of us. This is what we are dealing with in the current digital world. It is crucial to understand why we get pulled by shallow links.??

Let's approach this essential topic in this blog and learn how cyber actors manipulate us. So, next time we don’t succumb to such malicious tactics.??

Things You Might Be Thinking!?

Remember? ‘Curiosity Killed the Cat’?

Often people are just curious as to what a website link might contain. However, cyber actors use this to lure people. They just benefit from our emotions such as trust, fever, and obliviousness. Deception is their main tool, and they always present ideas that can easily trigger our emotions.??

They are highly likely to send emails that look genuine. Something that has been sent by the boss or institutes like banks.??

It can also be an email with the subject – You have won a lottery!?

They use our curiosity against us with manipulative mind tricks.??

For Illustration??

You get an email at midnight, and it is from your bank. It states that your account will be deactivated immediately if you don’t share your account number and OTP.??

This can be a situation of panic for you and at that moment, you may take the step in their favour. Cyber attackers infuse a sense of urgency without giving you time to think rationally.??

Playing the Clever Tactics??

Cyber attackers are the masters of phishing. They use deception as their primary tactic and prompt you to give all your digital details. It can be a spear-phishing attack, or a whaling expedition made specially to scheme against large organizations.??

However, you need to be more aware of such tricks and protect yourself from getting manipulated. Here’s how you can do it:?

Time and Place are Essential?

You would not even realize but you always receive scam emails when you are busy working in the office. While you are dealing with your load of work, you may get an email labeled as ‘from Government Official’. This is going to get your attention as you may think it is something important.??

Always keep in mind that receiving an out-of-context email just mentioned above can be bad news.??

Be More Aware and Informed??

Learn the Basics??

If a cyber actor can play tricks on you, you can do the same and reverse the trick. This can happen when you know what a phishing email can look like. A simple hint is that if the email looks odd then maybe it is. Take the hint and stay away from such emails.??

Change the Game with Little Habits??

Before clicking on a link, slow down for a bit and think twice. You may not understand the first time but when you think the second time you may comprehend. Also, look for unusual things like spelling errors or wrong addresses. Lastly, just let that exclusive deal go and safeguard your data.??

Take the Help of Tech??

Sometimes it is not your mistake at all as you didn’t click on that link. However, the risk is always there, and tools can protect your data against that. Set up email filters and install security tools to stop such cyber-attacks.??

Relax, Resist, and Repeat??

It's not that difficult to not click on ‘too good to be true’ links. Just don’t make any decisions in a hurry, relax and resist taking any action at the time. Keep doing the same thing every day and don’t fall prey to scams. Just taking cybersecurity seriously can make a lot of difference in safeguarding your data from the malicious intent of threat actors.??

What Can You Do??

These are just the tips to prevent cyber threats in the first place but if you have clicked on a link then this is what you need to do:?

• Number one would be to not panic and act to prevent what you can on your end.??

• Now disconnect your device. When you shut the internet access you can stop data leakage to some extent.??

• If you have some doubts about any account, then change the password.??

• Install an effective antivirus on your system. It will find out suspecting activities and stop them.??

• Inform your IT department or contact cybersecurity professionals to avoid any major loss.??

Bottom Line??

It is easy to fall into the cyber trap as the malicious actors are always ready with tricky scams. However, understanding the psychology of cybersecurity and how threat actors manipulate can help you in protecting your valuable data.??

Just by taking some proactive measures you can lead a safer digital life. Remember, cybersecurity is a comprehensive process, and mastering it needs consistency.??