By Absa Cyber Security Team
Published July 12, 2021

In its ongoing customer education campaign, ABSA Bank, like many other financial institutions acroos Africa, sends out regular messages to its customers and members of the public sensitising them on how to remain safe while transacting online.In its ongoing customer education campaign, ABSA Bank, like many other financial institutions acroos Africa, sends out regular messages to its customers and members of the public sensitising them on how to remain safe while transacting online.In this article, whose message can be applied universally, the cyber security team of ABSA tackles Phishing.

What is Phishing?
Phishing is a cyber-attack that hackers use to steal your private information like login credentials to your online banking or credit/debit card numbers by disguising themselves as a trustworthy entity, such as your bank.

RELATED: How to Protect Yourself from Fraud Online

How Phishing Works
The hacker creates a fake website that looks similar to that of your bank in order to trick you into entering your credentials. The attacker then sends you a link to the website, in most cases through an email with enticing information in form of promotions or a threat that your account will be disabled if you do not respond urgently. Once you click on the link provided and enter your credentials on the fake website, the attacker can then access your account.

RELATED: Conference Laments Dwindling Standards of Scholarship and Creativity in East Africa

How to Spot a Phishing Email or Message

  • The email or message contains a link to a website
  • The email or message may contain spelling and grammatical errors
  • The email or message requests for your personal information such as your National Identity Number, passwords or bank card numbers
  • The email and messages are very enticing, informing you that you have won a prize yet you did not participate in any campaign or promotion
  • The email or message uses fear to instill a sense of urgency. For example, threatening that your account will be blocked unless you respond urgently.

RELATED: Kenya-Based Entertainment Company Receives Seed Funding

How to avoid phishing attacks

  • Always verify the sender by checking the email address
  • Do not click any links in emails that claim to be from your bank
  • Never provide personal information on email or phone
  • Never share your One Time Pin (OTP)which you receive on your phone with anyone
    If you provide sensitive information on a website that you suspect does not belong to your bank, contact your bank via its official contact numbers.