In today’s highly digitalized and globalized world, cybercriminals constantly use new tricks to exploit unsuspecting individuals and organizations. Vishing scam is one of them. They combine social engineering with voice communication to steal valuable information and commit financial crimes. In 2024, vishing scams increased by 442%. In worst-case scenarios, you might lose your wealth and reputation after successful voice fraud. So let’s learn more about vishing in cybersecurity. This will help you know how to recognize it and prevent attacks immediately.
In simple words, a vishing attack is a kind of social engineering scam. Cybercriminals use phone calls or voice messages to manipulate victims. They try to extract sensitive information (such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data) and steal digital assets. Attackers often claim to act on behalf of banks, government agencies, or tech support teams. They create a sense of urgency or authority, scare victims, and access confidential information. Stolen information in a vishing scam leads to data breaches, corporate espionage, financial losses, etc.
Remember, both vishing and phishing are aimed at stealing information through manipulation and deception. But they differ in many ways. You must understand the differences between them. It will help you to identify the problem immediately and take appropriate preventive steps.
Medium
Vishing
Cybercriminals use phone calls and voice messages to extract information from victims and commit financial crimes.
Phishing
Cyber criminals try to contact individuals and companies through emails, SMS, and malicious websites. Due to a lack of digital literacy or inability to recognize suspicious digital resources, many people fall victim to phishing attacks.
Technology Used
Vishing
Swindlers use VoIP and caller ID spoofing for vishing attacks.
Phishing
Cybercriminals use fake websites and duplicate business Emails to launch phishing attacks.
Detection
Vishing
Many individuals and companies find it challenging to stop vishing attacks. It’s because interaction happens in real time. Once cybercriminals get your data, they can steal digital resources quickly.
Phishing
It is possible to stop phishing attacks with Email filters and safe Internet browsing practices.
Vishing attacks target both individuals and companies. Therefore, they need to be alert and take the following steps to prevent the scam-
For Individuals
Stop Receiving Unwanted Calls
Nowadays, an overwhelming number of individuals receive numerous calls from family members, distant relatives, friends, coworkers, bosses, service providers, etc. While this helps you to communicate with your loved ones and keep your life going as usual.
But it may prove to be quite unfruitful in some situations. Restrict your habit of receiving all unwanted calls, especially from new numbers and international callers. It will automatically keep you away from vishing scams. Remember, genuine callers will leave voice messages after the call.
Filter Spam Calls
It is very difficult for most mobile handset users to differentiate between genuine and spam callers. Therefore, they must use an app that provides the necessary information about the caller. It will also display remarks labeled against their profiles. Don’t pick up the call if the caller is marked as “SPAM. You will be able to avoid voice phishing.
Avoid Conference Calls
Remember, conference calls often include unknown or unverified attendees. They might record voices for a deepfake call. Moreover, they often spoof legitimate phone numbers to appear credible on the caller ID while communicating in a group call. If possible, avoid conference calls as far as possible. If it is impossible, try to limit the conference call only to trusted, known individuals.
Register with Do Not Call Lists
If you get too many telemarketing calls, register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry. It will automatically stop unwanted calls.
Never Share Your Information on the Phone
Regardless of the situation, never share your sensitive information in a telephone conversation. Hackers might misuse it and commit financial crime even without your information.
For Business Organizations
Use Business Telephone
Business organizations suffer bigger losses in the case of successful voice phishing. So, restrict the use of personal mobile handsets at the workplace for professional purposes. Your organization should have its business telephone for official use. You will be able to track callers and receivers & take actions in case of data breaches.
Implement Call Verification Protocol
Before receiving or making any call from the company’s phone number, always verify the identity. It will help minimize the chances of data falling into the wrong hands. Never communicate with a caller who refuses to give the details of their identity.
Employee Training
Provide ample information (about vishing attacks) to all your employees. Train them in practical scenarios and educate them to respond in such situations.
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Nowadays, companies all over the globe are struggling with spy employees. They are more prone to voice scams or may even facilitate them, knowingly or unknowingly. They operate outside of organizational loyalty. So, they might engage with vishing attempts for financial gains or to fulfill their agenda. They often-
So, from time to time, conduct surprise audits independently or with the help of Crystal Recoup. We examine the entire IT resources of your company, help you catch spy employees, track and eliminate other cybersecurity vulnerabilities. With our help, you can reduce the possibility of vishing attacks to a great extent and minimize your damages.
Vishing attacks are a reality in today’s digital world. Cybercriminals target both individuals and companies, steal their digital assets through manipulation, and cause them losses. A proper understanding of vishing in cybersecurity is fruitful. It will help avoid unnecessary calls and protect your digital assets. Take Crystal Recoup’s help to track and eliminate vishing attacks effectively. We also analyze and eliminate different cybersecurity challenges.
We are a leading financial fraud recovery firm. We are licensed & Regulated.