How to Protect Yourself from Phishing and Where to Report It?
We have discussed several key aspects of phishing in our previous blogs, such as
Understanding the Most Dangerous Cyber Threat: Phishing
Why Do People Fall Victim to Phishing?
How to Identify Real vs. Fake Emails: A Detailed Guide!
How Phishing Leads to Other Cyber Attacks? (Part 1 & 2).
This article will discuss effective ways to protect yourself from phishing and the right platforms to report phishing incidents.
Effective Measures to Prevent Phishing
✅ Identifying Suspicious Emails and Messages
-
Be cautious before clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources.
-
Inspect the sender's email address for incorrect spellings, additional characters, or suspicious domains.
-
Do not trust emails impersonating banks, government institutions, or well-known companies.
⚠️ Be Cautious About Sharing Personal Information on Social Media
-
Cyber-criminals extract personal details from social media to launch phishing attacks.
-
Adjust your privacy settings and share information only with trusted individuals.
🔹 Checking Website Links
Phishing websites often mimic legitimate sites but have subtle differences in their URLs.
Always verify that the website URL begins with "HTTPS".
Before entering login credentials, manually type the correct website name in the browser's address bar.
🛑 Utilize Cybersecurity Software and Firewalls
Use reliable antivirus software and keep it updated regularly.
Keep your firewall enabled to block suspicious network activity.
🔑 Password Management
Create strong and unique passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
Use a password manager to securely store your credentials.
🔒 Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Enable 2FA on all important accounts to ensure that cyber-criminals cannot access them even if your password is leaked.
🔌 Avoid using public charging stations
-
Public charging stations can be exploited for phishing-style cyber attacks through a technique called juice jacking.
-
Avoid public charging stations and use a personal power bank.
-
Use a data-blocking USB adapter if charging is necessary.
-
Never plug into unknown USB ports—opt for wall outlets instead.
🎁 Don't click on links for free gift
-
These are often phishing scams designed to steal your personal information.
📞 Beware of Suspicious Calls and Messages
-
If someone calls posing as a bank representative, government official, or police officer and asks for personal information, always confirm their identity first
-
No police officer, CBI personnel, or government official will ever harass or threaten you over the phone. Never disclose financial details on calls.
🎓 Regular Cybersecurity Training
-
Educate your family and colleagues about phishing and cybersecurity best practices.
-
Stay updated on new phishing techniques.
Where to Report Phishing Incidents?
Key Platforms in India to Report Phishing and Cybercrime
🌐 National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
cybercrime.gov.in – A centralized portal for reporting hacking, identity theft, online fraud, and cyberbullying, with special focus on crimes against women and children.
📞 Cyber Helpline Number (24x7)
📞 1930 – Immediate assistance for cyber frauds, helping prevent losses.
📞 Helplines for Women and Children
-
📞 1091 (Women), 📞 1098 (Child Protection) – To report online harassment or exploitation.
📞 Aadhaar-Related Complaints
-
📞 1947 – UIDAI customer support helpline.
🔒 CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
-
cert-in.org.in – Technical cybersecurity assistance. CERT-In is India's leading agency for cyber attack prevention and response.
📞 Unified Emergency Helpline (24x7)
📞 112 – India's unified emergency helpline for police, fire, medical, and women's safety assistance.
🏦Banking Fraud / Credit Card Scams
-
Immediately contact your bank's helpline to report fraud.
-
Major Banks' Cyber Helpline Numbers are in table
👉 Note: Before contacting a helpline number, always verify the latest details from the respective bank's official website to ensure accurate information.
💳 Reporting Digital Payment Fraud
Use the "Report Fraud" option within apps like Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, etc.
✉️ Reporting Phishing to Email Service Providers
-
If you receive a phishing email, use the "Report Phishing" option available in Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.
📢 Reporting Phishing on Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms have dedicated options to report fraudulent accounts and phishing messages.
Protecting yourself from phishing requires both technological defenses and awareness.
✅ Always think, verify, and then proceed before clicking on any suspicious link.
✅ Reporting phishing incidents helps safeguard yourself and others from cyber threats.
👉 Note: Always file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in to maintain an official record for legal action.
📌 In our next blog, we will discuss "What Are Malware Attacks and How to Stay Safe?"
Awareness and Participation
This blog has provided valuable information about cybersecurity, but it is equally important to recognize your responsibility. Stay vigilant to protect yourself, your family, friends, and your social circle from cyberattacks and cybercrimes. Share this blog with your friends, family, and community to spread awareness. Regularly update yourself on cybersecurity information and make others aware of it. Let’s work together to create a secure digital India.
Call to Action:
Contributors:
Authors: Gagan Deep & Saminder Kaur