Attackers and scammers often look for ways to steal email addresses, passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information.
What phishing looks like
Phishing is an attempt by attackers to trick you into providing sensitive information by pretending to be a person or service you trust (such as Dropbox or your bank).
Examples of phishing attacks
- Emails that:
- Ask you to reply with your username/email and password
- Contain links to fake login pages or password reset pages
- Contain links to view or download a file from someone you don’t know
- Mention a current event, entice you with a prize or deal, or claim there’s an urgent reason for you to respond or click on a link
- Links on social network posts or comments that lead to fake login pages or password reset pages
- Phone calls, emails, or texts that appear like they’re from someone you know to get you to respond or click a link
What malware and viruses look like
Malware is any malicious software that attackers try to get you to install so that they can steal your information or do harm to your files and computer. Malware includes things like viruses, adware, spyware, ransomware, trojan horses, and worms.
Examples of malware attacks
- Visiting a website, viewing an email, or clicking a pop-up window that installs software automatically
- Fake emails and websites that impersonate Dropbox or another trusted source