Defending Against Vishing Attacks: Protecting Yourself from Voice Phishing Scams

Voice phishing, or vishing, is a serious threat in the digital landscape, where fraudsters manipulate users into revealing sensitive information over phone calls. Understanding the tactics used by vishers and adopting proactive security measures are essential for safeguarding against these scams. Here's all you need to know about vishing attacks and how to stay protected:

Understanding Vishing:

• Vishing involves fraudsters using internet telephone services (VoIP) to deceive individuals into disclosing personal or financial information over phone calls.
• Attackers often spoof caller IDs to make calls appear legitimate and use social engineering tactics to manipulate users' emotions and actions.

Modus Operandi of Vishing:

• Vishers trick users into revealing sensitive information under various pretexts, such as updating KYC details, offering rewards, or posing as bank officials.
• They may use automated recordings or real persons to engage with targets, urging them to disclose card numbers, PINs, CVVs, or other confidential data.

Types of Vishing Attacks:

1. Calls with Urgent Pretexts: Users receive calls claiming their ATM cards are deactivated or accounts compromised, prompting them to divulge sensitive information.
2. Impersonating Bank Officials: Fraudsters pose as bank representatives to address fake account issues and extract banking details, including OTPs.
3. Requests to Download Apps: Vishers persuade users to download malicious apps, leading to malware installation or remote device access.
4. Deep Fake Calls: Using voice generation software, fraudsters impersonate officials to deceive individuals or businesses into transferring funds.

Warning Signs and Dangers:

• Generic greetings, urgency for immediate action, and requests for sensitive information are red flags indicating vishing attacks.
• Risks include financial loss, misuse of personal information, malware attacks, unauthorized access to devices/data, and account hacking.

Security Measures Against Vishing:

• Never share OTPs, PINs, CVVs, or card details over the phone.
• Avoid responding to calls asking for personal information or urging immediate action.
• Use contact numbers from authorized websites to verify authenticity before engaging with service providers.
• Routinely review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges or inquiries.
• Beware of calls instructing to install remote access apps like Anydesk.
• Report incidents to the bank and block/freeze accounts if necessary.