Gone are the days when phishing scams consisted of poorly written emails supposedly from princes. Today, these digital bait-and-switch tactics have become more sophisticated and relatable than ever. Recent statistics reveal that phishing attacks are responsible for 36% of all data breaches. Additionally, there were over 300,000 phishing attacks reported to the FBI in 2022, highlighting the critical threat these scams pose to your digital lifestyle.
Now, adding to the trouble, a fresh wave of phishing scams has emerged. Unlike the blatant scams of the past, this one employs a modern and minimalist approach to deception by sending users a blank image.
What is a blank image phishing scam?
Imagine receiving an email containing nothing but a blank image. Sounds harmless, right? Think again. While it might pique your curiosity, clicking on the seemingly innocent image can trigger a series of events that compromise your digital security.
This phishing attack starts with the victim receiving an email with HTML or .htm attachments. These attachments appear blank, prompting users to click on them to uncover their contents, without realizing that this action could redirect them to a malicious website, thereby posing a threat to their online privacy.
According to cybersecurity experts, these images are hiding a sinister secret in the form of an SVG file with Base64 encoding. By embedding Javascript in the blank image, cybercriminals trick people into visiting a dangerous URL.
Read more: Unveiling psychological manipulation in phishing attacks
How to protect yourself from blank image phishing scams?
Don’t want to fall victim to phishing and malware attacks? Here are tips that can help you stay safe from blank image scams.
Hover before you click
Before clicking any links or images, hover your cursor over them without clicking. This action displays where the link will lead you. If the link appears different from your expectations or seems unrelated to the image, exercise caution, as it might be a phishing attempt.
For instance, if an image appears to be from your bank but the link directs you to an entirely different website, be wary, as it could be a blank image scam.
Verify senders
If you want to protect your digital lifestyle, always verify the email recipient before opening any links present within the message.
Scammers might use familiar logos or images to trick you, but the email address might be different from what you’re used to. If you receive an email with an image claiming to be from a friend, ensure the email address matches their usual one before clicking on anything.
Don’t trust image links
Be careful when you receive emails solely containing images without any text explanation. Legitimate emails usually have a clear message accompanying any images they share. So, if you receive an email with just an image instructing you to click on it, it’s advisable to avoid doing so.
For example, if you get an image saying you’ve won a prize and need to click to claim it, it’s most likely a blank image scam threatening your digital security.
Use security software
Install reputable antivirus and anti-phishing software on your computer or device. These tools can help identify and block suspicious links, images, or messages. They act as guards, alerting you to potential dangers.
It is also recommended to use a premium Virtual Private Network, such as PureVPN, to encrypt your internet connection, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept and manipulate the content of your online communications. In addition, VPNs can mask your IP address, which can deter phishing attempts that rely on geolocation or other targeting methods.
Stay informed
Continue learning about new phishing and malware attacks that cybercriminals might employ. This way, you can recognize their tactics even if they alter their approach. If you come across information about a new type of phishing scam involving blank images, you’ll be prepared to identify and avoid it.
In conclusion, blank image phishing scams are on the rise. Nevertheless, as unique as they may be, these attacks can be effectively thwarted by adhering to the best practices for handling phishing emails mentioned above. From hovering over attachments to installing a VPN, these tips will assist you in safeguarding your online privacy and security from criminals.
To conclude, blank image phishing scams are on the rise. Nevertheless, as unique as they may be, these attacks can be effectively thwarted by adhering to the best practices for handling phishing emails mentioned above. From hovering over attachments to installing a VPN, these tips will assist you in safeguarding your online privacy and security from criminals.
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Read more: Phishing emails exposed: 9 red flags you should never ignore
