Nowadays we are almost 100% connected to the internet. And even with access to information, scams like Voice Phishing happen daily.
In order to successfully apply scams, criminals use Social Engineering. This is a persuasion technique that makes people believe what strangers are saying. And as a result, they end up sharing their personal information and falling for scams.
In this article, you will understand what Voice Phishing is and how this type of attack happens. In addition, you will also understand how to identify Voice Phishing scams and protect yourself from them.
Understand what Voice Phishing is and how it works
Voice Phishing or Vishing is a type of attack carried out using technology. In this case, criminals use means such as the telephone or voice messages.
However, there are other types of digital scams that use other forms of contact. In this sense, the most common forms are emails, SMS messages, and social networks.
Speaking specifically about Voice Phishing or Vishing, the purpose of this cyberattack is for people to share their personal information. This information includes bank details, address, ID numbers and other documents, among others.
In addition to the personal target, attacks are also carried out by looking for corporate information. An example of a corporate Voice Phishing attack is accessing access information to a company's internal network.
The Evolution of Voice Phishing and New Tactics Used by Cybercriminals
As time passes, Voice Phishing attacks grow more and more. That's because this type of scam is simple to execute.
After all, there is no need for programming, Vishing can be carried out in an automated and large-scale way, and it is also possible to use Artificial Intelligence in attacks.
In addition to these points, it is possible to outsource the origin of the attacks. With that, even laws can’t be applied perfectly and punishments are more difficult to happen.
Recently, a new type of attack has become popular. With the use of machine learning, it is possible to clone voices. With this, criminals do extensive research before the attacks, and clone the voice of someone the victim knows. This way it is easier to convince people to share some information or grant some access over the phone.
All this makes it difficult to identify attacks. Therefore, it is necessary to invest in education for people and security systems for companies.
Next, you will understand in more detail the types of Vishing that exist. This will make it easier to identify a risk situation in the future.
How to identify an attack
First, you need to know that Voice Phishing scams are based on everyday situations. In this sense, criminals know the scenarios and contexts that make people more likely to fall for scams.
However, knowing different scam situations can help you prevent and identify when something like this is happening to you.
Below you will find three of the biggest Voice Phishing attacks practiced today. In addition to these, there are others that follow the same premise: calls to get your personal data and take advantage of that information later.
Vishing based on Artificial Intelligence
Technology makes our lives easier with its solutions. However, this same technology also contributes to more sophisticated virtual attacks.
In this sense, artificial intelligence is a way to make Voice Phishing scams more real. Consequently, more people become victims, and the damage increases.
For scams, criminals use AI to copy other people's voices. These are people known to the victims. And with that, people end up trusting what criminals are saying, which causes the number of cases of successful scams to increase.
Robocall (call by robots)
This type of scam uses recorded messages and sends the same scam attempt to several numbers at the same time. The voice asks people to share their names or other information, which might seem harmless at first.
But it's all part of a cyber attack that aims to create fraudulent credit cards or steal money from victims.
If in doubt, do not respond to recorded messages that ask for your personal information. You can just hang up the phone and you'll be saving yourself a huge headache.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
Voice Phishing that happens through this technology allows criminals to call other people through any device that has an internet connection. As they only use the internet, the cost of these attacks is very low, if not free.
It is by using this technology that you can get in touch with other people via Whatsapp, for example.
Therefore, it's amazing that these services exist today for calls, especially long-distance calls. However, it is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to carry out scams today.
Tips and strategies to protect yourself
If you own a company or work for one, training on Vishing and other attacks needs to be part of your business routine.
This is essential because we are talking about confidential information from customers and the company itself. And even if it seems far from your reality, Voice Phishing attacks are common and can happen to anyone.
In addition to training, investing in cybersecurity also makes all the difference. Having a security system, with clear procedures and specialized support is essential.
Be wary of any unexpected call
Nowadays it is very common for people to contact first via text message or email. And even calls can be scheduled so that the other person is prepared to receive contact from someone unknown.
Even so, of course, there are cases of real and unexpected telephone contact. That's why you always need to be aware of some points in a situation like that.
The first of these is the sense of urgency, when there is a need to take very quick action, especially during the call itself. Also, if there is any insistence that causes fear, be aware because it is another sign of a scam.
And finally, whenever there is any request for personal data or a request for you to call another number. In these cases, there is also a high chance that you are experiencing a Voice Phishing attempt.
Personal information will not be requested over the phone.
In general, government representative bodies and financial institutions do not request this type of information or action from people. It is even common to see warnings about this in applications or even communication via television or radio.
So whenever you feel threatened or suspect that you're experiencing a Voice Phishing scam, put your phone down. Then, if you want to confirm if you have a problem with an institution, call your bank or the government to verify your situation.
If your company needs support to ensure information security, count on Intelliway and our solutions.
Get in touch to ask your questions and share your needs with us.