We hear about phishing more and more often lately. But what does the word mean and how can I protect myself?
What does Phishing mean?
The term "Phishing" is an English portmanteau made up of "password" and "fishing". Figuratively speaking, that's exactly what happens: Internet fraudsters try to "fish" for protected user data through forgeries.
This usually happens via websites or emails. The goals include account looting, your credit card data, confidential information, or installing computer viruses.
Is Spam and Phishing the same thing?
There are certainly overlaps between spam and phishing, but you need to distinguish:
Spam includes all unwanted and mass-produced "advertising" you receive. This is often annoying but not illegal, and everyone deals with it differently depending on the email content.
Phishing, on the other hand, pursues purely illegal goals.
How do I recognize phishing emails?
A few simple basic rules for handling your inbox can help:
- Don't open attachments from senders you don't trust
- Don't click on unknown links
- Be suspicious of spelling errors
- Ignore requests for passwords (no serious company will ask you for your password by email)
- Generic salutations (e.g., Dear Customer) should be treated with caution
What can I do if I "fell for it"?
According to a global Microsoft survey, two out of three people have been affected by phishing. So don't panic! It can happen.
- If you have given out confidential account data, contact your bank and block your account or credit card
- Keep an eye on your online accounts like Amazon or Zalando and report suspicious activities
- Replace your old passwords with new ones immediately
- Update your antivirus program to the latest version
How do you recognize phishing emails allegedly sent by Cashare?
- If Cashare is named as the sender but @cashare.ch doesn't appear in the email address, this is a sign of phishing
- Signaling urgent action needed (e.g., threatening account suspension) is often used to get your attention
- Be careful with links. Only open them if you're sure you're being redirected to an official Cashare page (www.cashare.ch)
How can I protect my Cashare account against phishing emails?
Use our Two-Factor Authentication. Proceed as follows:
- Log into your account at https://www.cashare.ch/de/login.html
- In your user profile, click the "My Profile" button
- Then follow the instructions on your screen
If phishing emails are in circulation, we will of course inform you immediately.
Your Cashare Team!
