Our world is more reliant on technology than it ever was! If you are using any technology, then you are exposed to a big possibility of cyberattacks.
Cyberattacks include everything from identity theft to data hacking, and nearly every industry is a victim of malicious activities. Cyber security is a growing area of concern as the world is witnessing a rapid increase in cyberattacks. Most of the time we are scammed because we do not pay heed to the little things.
According to Embroker, cybercrime will cost companies an estimated $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Therefore, cyber security is important because it protects your company from potential cyber threats.
However, you must be aware of the different types of attacks that hackers attempt.
You might have heard a lot about phishing, but do you know what is pharming and how you can prevent pharming attacks? If not, then this blog is for you!
Continue reading to know more about pharming attacks and how you can prevent them.
What is Pharming?
When a legitimate website redirects the traffic to a fake one for malicious purposes, it is known as pharming. It is a scam where the malicious code is installed on your device by the hacker. In this way, hackers can steal the user’s confidential information, such as passwords, bank account information, confidential files, etc.
It is different from phishing, and it has evolved and advanced a lot more, making it more dangerous than phishing too. Phishing is simply luring the victim into giving up their personal data, while pharming does not involve relying on emails or attachments.
Pharming attacks are effective because they can fool the victim and a computer. For example, you are navigating a website and entering the URL of a legitimate website, which a DNS converts into a numerical IP address. Hackers can edit this, so you are redirected to their faulty website.
Online banking is one of the major victims of this kind of cyber threat.
How to Protect Yourself From Pharming
Follow the steps below to prevent pharming attacks. Only a few simple steps can protect you from major disasters. So, always be careful.
Use Secure Internet Services
Do not get tempted by ISPs that offer discounted packages and deals without researching them. A trustworthy internet provider can prevent pharming attacks by providing you with a secure internet connection and security add-ons.
If your internet connection is secure, it will block bogus websites, preventing you from visiting them.
Several ISPs offer security services, and HughesNet is one of them. It provides a secure internet connection so you can enjoy browsing the internet safely.
Use a Robust Antivirus
A trustable antivirus can block anomalous malware from attacking your system.
Therefore, you should always use a good antivirus that can protect your systems against pharming or any other cyberattacks. We recommend you use HughesNet Internet as it not only provides a reliable and fast internet connection but also provides Norton 360 antivirus that blocks the access of hackers from your devices.
Use VPN
A virtual private network helps the users stay private while browsing online by routing the data traffic through an encrypted virtual tunnel. Hackers track your online activities and launch attacks. Therefore, if you are visiting any confidential site, use a VPN so hackers cannot spy on your activities.
Avoid Suspicious Websites
When browsing the internet, it is vital to only use legitimate websites. You should never open websites that look dubious.
Hackers create fake websites, and users get scammed by visiting them. Look for URLs that begin with HTTPS. Double-check the URL before opening it if you are unsure about the source.
Do Not Click on E-Commerce Deals
Farmers offer tempting discounts that look legitimate! Do not get attracted by such deals because they can attack your system and steal your business data or financial information.
For example, when you click the deal, you can be redirected to marksendspencer.com. You might think this site is legitimate; however, the actual site is marksandspencer.com. Always double-check the URL and never get attracted to random eCommerce advertisements.
In Brief
Unfortunately, we live in a digital age where it is easier to become a victim of cyber-attacks. Always ensure that you take precautions to enhance your cyber security. We understand that there is no such thing as 100% security, but you can surely take certain steps to make it harder for cyber-criminals to get you.
