What is a Phishing email?

A phishing email looks, for example, as if it is from your bank, but nothing could be further from the truth. The email comes from fraudsters who are out for your bank, credit card, or other details. With these details, they can withdraw money from your bank account.

Characteristics of a Phishing email are:

• The email is not addressed to you personally;
• The email often contains spelling and style errors, but beware: internet criminals are getting smarter;
• The email usually contains a link (this is particularly dangerous);
• There is a threat of consequences if the email is not ignored;
• The link referred to contains subtle differences from a real (official) link. These can be seen by hovering the mouse over the link without clicking;
• In some cases, credit card details or other personal data that your bank would never ask for are requested directly. 

Particularly clicking the link in the email can pose a risk. By clicking this link, there is a chance that malicious software will be installed on your computer that encrypts your files, making them unusable.

How can you prevent problems?

Ensure you have a good virus scanner (Windows Defender alone is not enough);
Good backup, so that if your PC or server is infected you don't lose all your files;
If you don't trust an email, do not open it! 

Note!
These types of emails are not only sent in the style of banks, but sometimes also in the name of PostNL. These might indicate, for example, that a package is being delivered. Additionally, there are many other examples.
 
Did you accidentally open an email and/or click on a link?
Then contact Geoffrey; he can help with finding the right antivirus software, backup solution, and your ICT management.