Utilize Apps and Tools to Identify Phishing Emails Today, scammers have evolved into tech-savvy criminals who use cutting-edge tools..
However, they’re not the only ones equipped with an array of resources at their disposal.
Virus Total
Most phishing emails include attached files and links or direct you to a website. How can you determine if these files, links, and websites are safe?
One method to discover potential threats is by using VirusTotal’s malware scanner. By submitting your file, link, or website to the free VirusTotal detection service, it will be analyzed by over 70 antivirus scanners and URL/domain blocklisting services.
After you scan the item, you’ll receive feedback from antivirus programs indicating whether the link, file, or domain is considered safe or potentially harmful. For instance, a Virus Total report on 17ebook.com reveals that multiple sources identify it as malicious software or phishing—advising users to steer clear of it.
Verify Phishing
Before clicking on a link that redirects you to an unfamiliar website, ensure you use a website scanner like CheckPhish. This tool examines questionable websites to determine if they pose any danger. Once you’ve scanned the site, you’ll receive notifications indicating whether it’s safe, questionable, or recognized as harmful. Additionally, you’ll gain insights into details such as the IP address location, hosting provider information, certificate specifics, related URLs and its history of phishing activities.
Check Phish will notify you if the URL you’re investigating belongs to a typo squatting website. These sites mimic legitimate websites but are created with malicious purposes in mind, often differing by just one or two characters from well-known domains. Once accessed, it’s easy not to realize you’re on an impostor site because it closely resembles the intended destination.
URL Scan.io
urlscan.io is primarily used to examine websites for malware. Following the scan, you will receive a verdict stating whether the site is safe or unsafe, or if it cannot be determined. Additionally, you’ll get access to a screenshot of the website along with its DNS and IP records and information on the hosting platform.
Mail Washer
No matter which email client you use, it’s likely equipped with a filter for scams, spam, and junk mail. However, this doesn’t mean adding an additional spam blocker such as Mailwasher is redundant. Cybersecurity experts advocate for “defense in depth”—a strategy that relies on multiple security layers to strengthen digital protection. Integrating Mailwasher with your email client’s existing filter can enhance your overall security measures.
Mailwasher is capable of identifying spam, phishing emails, viruses, and even unwanted newsletters. Unlike a browser plug-in that operates in the background while you use your mail client, MailWasher requires you to link it with your email account and run the program to review messages. If you’re wary about an email’s authenticity, you have the option to preview it without opening it fully. Should Mailwasher determine an email as malicious, you can delete it directly through the application.
While scammers have adapted over recent years, others can also utilize the latest tools to their benefit.
