Phishing: What is it and what does it consist of?

The technique known as phishing consists of sending an electronic communication to a user, pretending to be an entity (generally known and commonly used among users), in which it asks for certain private information, either by sending an email, downloading a file or through a link to a website.

Generally, phishing is usually thought of by email, but it can also occur through sms, mms, or even WhatsApp or social networks.

Keep these indications in mind to be able to detect that you are facing a phishing scam:


The content of the email:

• Technical problems.
• Recent fraud detections and urgent increase in the level of security.
• New security recommendations for fraud prevention.
• Changes in the security policy of the entity.
• Promotion of new products.
• Prizes, gifts or unexpected economic income.
• Anomalous access or use of your account.
• Imminent deactivation of the service.
• Fake job offers.

The type of information requested :

• Credit card details
• Access passwords
• file download
• Access through links to web pages

The sender:

• Banks, savings banks
• Online shopping accounts
• Social networks
• Technical support
• Online games
• Public entities or companies
• Messenger service

Source: Internet User Security Office (OSI)