Social Engineering - How to Protect Yourself from Phone-Based Attacks?

Common Examples of Social Engineering Attacks

To illustrate these threats, let's explore some common scenarios:

• Smishing: You receive a text message claiming to be from your bank, urgently requesting you to update your account information by clicking on a link provided in the message. The message warns of account suspension if you fail to act promptly.
• Vishing: You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a bank representative. They inform you of suspicious activity on your account and request your account details and PIN for verification purposes. They emphasise the need for immediate action to prevent fraudulent transactions.
• Impersonation Call: You receive a call from an individual claiming to be from Groww's IT department. They inform you of a security breach on your account and request remote access to your device to perform security checks. They assure you that this is standard procedure to protect your investments.
• Phishing: They often send you a fake email or text message, often disguised as a legitimate message from a reputable company.
• Baiting: It also offers you something enticing, like a free gift or a job offer, to lure you into clicking on a malicious link or downloading a harmful file.

How to Identify Phone-Based Social Engineering Attacks?

To protect yourself against these attacks, it's crucial to recognise the signs of suspicious communications. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:

• Urgency or Threats: Be cautious of messages or calls that pressure you to act immediately or threaten negative consequences for non-compliance.
• Unsolicited Requests: Avoid unsolicited communications requesting personal information, financial details, or login credentials.
• Unusual Requests: Be skeptical of unusual requests, such as sharing sensitive information over the phone or granting remote access to your devices.
• Caller ID Spoofing: Be aware that attackers may spoof caller IDs to mimic trusted numbers or organisations, making it challenging to identify fraudulent calls.
• Pressure Tactics: Be cautious of high-pressure tactics or attempts to create a sense of urgency or fear to coerce you into divulging information or taking action.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Phone-Based Social Engineering Attacks

To enhance your protection against these threats, follow these best practices:

• Be cautious of unexpected messages: Don't click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify information: Always verify information by contacting the company directly through their official website or customer service number.
• Never share personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers over the phone or through email.
• Use strong passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. 
• Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about the latest social engineering tactics and educate your family members, colleagues, and employees about the risks and best practices.
• Report Suspicious Activities: Report any suspicious communications or attempted social engineering attacks to relevant authorities. 

By staying alert and following these simple tips, you can protect yourself from social engineering attacks.

Disclaimer: Please note that Groww will never request sensitive information such as passwords, PINs, or account details via phone calls, text messages, or any other unsolicited communication. If you receive such requests, please disregard them and report them to us immediately via [email protected].

At Groww, we're committed to ensuring your security and privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about phone-based social engineering attacks or cybersecurity in general, please feel free to reach out to our support team.