How can users protect themselves from phishing attacks?

Users can protect themselves from phishing attacks by actively checking web URLs and email sources. Phishing attacks typically involve attackers masquerading as legitimate entities to trick users into divulging sensitive information. By verifying the authenticity of a URL or an email source, users can identify red flags such as misspellings or unfamiliar domains that indicate a potential phishing attempt. This scrutiny helps prevent users from accidentally clicking on harmful links or responding to fraudulent communications that could compromise their personal data.

While using strong passwords, updating antivirus software, and sharing minimal personal information do contribute to overall cybersecurity, they do not specifically address the tactics employed in phishing attacks. For instance, strong passwords can protect accounts from unauthorized access but do not prevent initial contact from phishing attempts. Similarly, while antivirus software can provide protection against malware, it may not be effective against social engineering tactics used in phishing. Sharing minimal personal information is a good practice for privacy, but it does not directly prevent phishing attempts that rely on deceptive messaging and manipulation. Therefore, the most effective defensive measure against phishing is the active scrutiny of URLs and the sources of emails.