Phishing: Don’t Get Hooked
Understanding Broadband Labels
It’s Tech Support Tuesday again and today we are talking about the new Broadband Labels. Over the last few months you may have heard about the new “Broadband Labels” all internet providers are required to start using this year. They look and work just like the nutrition labels on your food, allowing you to see what’s really inside that internet plan you are considering. Today we are starting to use labels on all of our available plans. We recommend watching this video for a quick overview of what goes on a broadband label. Go to gibsoncoops.com/labels to see all of our broadband labels, or visit fcc.gov/broadbandlabels to learn more about this new initiative.
Understanding Your Smart Home Dashboard
Today we’re highlighting your Gibson Connect Smart Home App. This video will show you what’s on the main page of your app, and where to find most of the great features. If you don’t have the app, that’s no problem at all! Just head over to gibsoncoops.com/protect on your smart device and download it from there.
Setting Up your Smart Home App and Home Wi-Fi
The Smart Home App is the command center for your home network and we will be using it for the next few weeks to get your Wi-Fi in tip-top shape. Visit gibsoncoops.com/protect on a smart phone or tablet to download the app. This video will show you how to download and set up the app on your phone or tablet.
Setting up Business Voicemail
Our business subscribers with phone service have access to some very cool business voicemail features like being able to have voicemails emailed to you. If you want to set this up we recommend giving Paige, Kenneth, or Tony a call at (731) 562-6000. For our tech-savvy business folks, you can download the guide Right Here.
Updating Your Fire TV Stick Software
If you have a Fire TV Stick and are experiencing issues streaming your Gibson Connect TV service (or any other service) your device may need a software update. To update your software follow these instructions.
- Go to the “Settings” page
- Select “My Fire TV” or “Device & Software”
- Select “About”
- Select “Check for System Update”.
- If there is an update, download follow the prompt on the screen to download and install it.
If this still does not solve your streaming issues we recommend upgrading your Fire Stick to a Roku Streaming Stick 4K. You can buy one from Roku, Amazon, Walmart, or from us. If you would like to buy one from us please email support_vm@gibsonconnect.com or call (731) 562-6000.
Restarting an Amazon Fire TV Stick
Today we are showing you how to restart an Amazon Fire TV stick. If you have our TV service you probably have one of these and they occasionally get a little confused and need a reboot. If you notice your Gibson TV service is buffering or stuttering a lot all of a sudden, follow these instructions:
Go to the “⛭ Settings” screen
Select “My Fire TV”
Select “Restart”
If this still does not solve your streaming issues we recommend upgrading your Fire Stick to a Roku Streaming Stick 4K. You can buy one from Roku, Amazon, Walmart, or from us. If you would like to buy one from us please email support_vm@gibsonconnect.com or call (731) 562-6000.
Phishing: Don’t Get Hooked
Watch out for fishy emails and links! Phishing scams try to hook you into giving out personal information by impersonating trusted sources like banks, companies, or contacts. In this blog, we’ll teach you how to recognize phishing attempts so you can avoid getting reeled in.
What phishing is and what scammers are after when they phish
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where criminals attempt to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal information. This information can then be used to steal money, commit identity theft, or other crimes.
Scammers are after a variety of things when they phish, but they are usually after financial account details, passwords, or sensitive data. Financial account details are valuable to scammers because they can be used to steal money from people’s accounts. Passwords are valuable because they can be used to access people’s online accounts, such as email, social media, and banking accounts. Sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers, can be used to commit identity theft.
Scammers use a variety of methods to phish people, but they often use email, social media, and text messages. They may send emails that look like they are from legitimate companies, such as banks or credit card companies. They may also post fake ads on social media or send text messages that look like they are from legitimate businesses.
Protecting yourself from phishing methods
It is important to be aware of phishing scams and to take steps to protect yourself. Here are some tips to help you avoid phishing scams:
- Be suspicious of any email, social media post, or text message that asks for personal information.
- Do not click on links in emails or text messages unless you are sure they are legitimate.
- Do not enter personal information on websites that you do not trust.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Be aware of the latest phishing scams and how to protect yourself from them.
If you think you have been the victim of a phishing scam, you should immediately change your passwords and contact your bank or credit card company. You should also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Recognizing the red flags
Common tactics phishers like to use are often emails, texts with urgent messages, payment requests, account verification prompts, prize claims, and/or threats/warnings if you don’t respond. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Language Clues: Be cautious of grammatical errors or typos in emails, as they are often signs of phishing attempts, especially when sent by non-native English speakers.
- Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on unfamiliar email links. Instead, hover over the link to reveal the actual URL. If it seems suspicious, refrain from clicking.
- Questionable Requests: Phishing emails may request personal information like your Social Security number or bank details. If you receive such requests from unknown senders, avoid sharing sensitive information. Instead, verify the sender’s identity directly.
- Beware of Trusted Contacts: Even emails from known contacts can be phishing attempts. If someone you know asks for personal information or the email contains unfamiliar links, refrain from clicking or sharing information. Verify the sender’s intentions by contacting them directly.
Additional safety tips for online protection
It is important to be vigilant when it comes to phishing emails. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scam.
- Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Phishing attacks often use deceptive links or attachments to trick you into downloading malware or revealing personal information. If a message looks suspicious or is from an unknown sender, refrain from clicking any links or opening attachments.
- Use Official Websites: Only log in to your accounts through official websites. Be cautious of redirects to unfamiliar sites, as they may indicate a phishing attempt.
- Verify Email Addresses: Watch out for spoofed email addresses that mimic legitimate companies. Hover over the sender’s email address to confirm its authenticity when dealing with emails from businesses you trust.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from online threats.
With the tricks this article teaches, you’ll be prepared to recognize phishing scams, ignore their baited hooks, and keep your information safe from getting caught. Don’t get reeled in by phony emails – learn how to avoid the bait!