How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks (2026 Guide)

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a cyberattack where criminals impersonate trusted entities to steal your personal information, login credentials, or financial data.

Types of Phishing Attacks

Email Phishing

Most common type:

• Fake emails from "banks" or "services"
• Urgent requests for action
• Links to fake websites
• Malicious attachments

Spear Phishing

Targeted attacks using personal info:

• Addressed to you by name
• References real information about you
• Appears to come from known contacts
• Highly convincing

Smishing (SMS Phishing)

Text message attacks:

• Fake delivery notifications
• Bank fraud alerts
• Prize notifications
• Account verification requests

Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Phone call attacks:

• IRS or government impersonators
• Tech support scams
• Bank security calls
• Utility company threats

Red Flags to Watch For

Email Red Flags

• Generic greetings ("Dear Customer")
• Urgent or threatening language
• Spelling and grammar errors
• Suspicious sender addresses
• Mismatched URLs (hover to check)
• Requests for personal information

Website Red Flags

• URL doesn't match company
• No HTTPS/padlock
• Poor design quality
• Unusual form requests
• Pop-ups asking for login

Protecting Yourself

Email Protection

• Don't click links in unexpected emails
• Go directly to websites instead
• Verify sender addresses carefully
• Enable spam filtering
• Report phishing attempts

Account Security

• Use unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Use authenticator apps, not SMS
• Monitor account activity

Browser Protection

• Keep browser updated
• Use anti-phishing extensions
• Check URLs before entering data
• Don't save passwords in browsers

Mobile Protection

• Don't click links in texts from unknown numbers
• Verify caller identity before sharing info
• Use official apps for banking/shopping
• Enable spam call blocking

What to Do If You're Phished

• Change passwords immediately - Start with the compromised account
• Enable 2FA - Add extra protection
• Check for unauthorized access - Review account activity
• Monitor finances - Watch for fraudulent charges
• Report the phishing - Forward to spam@uce.gov

GhostMyData Helps Reduce Phishing Risk

Less exposed data means fewer phishing attempts:

• Remove data from brokers (less info for spear phishing)
• Dark web monitoring (know when credentials leak)
• Breach alerts (act fast when exposed)

Reduce your phishing risk with a free scan.