Phishing is when bad actors use an email to trick people into providing sensitive information such passwords, account numbers, PINs, credit/debit card numbers, or social security numbers.  The email often includes attempts to trigger emotions such as a sense of urgency with a link to click or an attachment to open.

Vishing is the same basic concept of phishing but when the bad actor tries the scam over the phone.
Smishing is like a phishing or vishing scam but attempted using a text messaging service.

Whether it is phishing, vishing, or smishing, you should be careful and remember these:

Your information is valuable even if you don’t think so.

Slow down and think before you hand over information.

If you did not initiate the call, then be suspicious. We will never call you and ask for your sensitive information.

Use strong passphrases rather than simple passwords.

Use a different password for each account you have.

Use 2-factor authentication for any account that uses the internet.

Use online banking to monitor your bank accounts for unexpected or fraudulent transactions and report them as soon as possible.

Make regular backups of your important files and test restore periodically to make sure the backups will work when you need them.

SECURITY AWARENESS TERMS & TIPS