Date: 11 February 2022
Cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving subject. Just when you feel you may have understood a majority of common threats looming on the internet, something new comes up. Catfishing, for instance, may be a new term for many and you’re perhaps one of those regular internet and social media users who isn’t too familiar with catfishing and what exact damage catfish can cause. In this blog, we get into the details of catfishing, the motivesof online catfish and most importantly, how you can protect yourself from them. Catfishing involves a person using information and images to create a false identity for themselves on the internet. A catfish can sometimes steal another person's full identity, including date of birth, photos, and geographical location, and pretend it’s their own. They then use the fake identity to trick others into doing business online or associating with them. Catfishing is extremely common amongst dating app users as well. A catfish may pose as someone they’re not and trap others into romance scams. It’s important to note that not all catfish are cybersecurity threats. Many people may catfish due to insecurities regarding who they are, mental instability, feelings of revenge, desire to experiment with sexual preferences, more. While some catfish may not be malicious, many are fraudsters and perpetrators of cybersecurity scams against their targets.
How exactly do catfish scams work? Catfish trap unsuspecting targets to believe in their false identity and can extract vital, sensitive information in the process. Many can straight off ask for money and others may get precious credentials out of you. They may then use this sensitive information for monetary gains and in some extreme cases to unleash further sophisticated cyber-attacks or ransomware attacks against a business or organisation you may be associated with.
While catfish are definitely out there in hoards and their intentions can range from impish to malicious, the only way to really deal with them is to know how to protect yourself from them.
Below are ways to protect yourself and your personal information from potential catfish.
1. Do a background check
You can conduct a name search or an online background check with the help of services like Information.com and Instant Checkmate. This can help reveal an individual’s social media profiles, news articles they could be mentioned in, or other digital content containing their name. After the initial search, you can confirm further personal details like their workplace, where they come from, and their friends etc. to make sure that whom they claim to be matches with what the internet says about them.
2. Know the signs of being catfished
If the catfish’s description is thorough and detailed, it may be difficult to tell when you're being catfished. Since the catfish's profile is only created to target specific persons, they may not have a lot of followers or friends. A catfish may never want to voice or video call, may avoid in-person meet-ups, and may even ask for money. These are all signs that you are being catfished and that you should put up your guard.
3. Never share your personal information
Oversharing personal information with strangers can be dangerous. If someone you've just met online begins asking for your personal data such as an address, additional contact information, account details, or tries to push you to tell them things regarding your life or your work, they could be catfishing you.
If they ask you for a password on the pretext of an emergency, that’s a really major warning sign that something is up. Asking for personal data is another big red flag because that behavior isn't normal, and it should raise cause for alarm.
4. Be suspicious of those you don’t know
Be careful when you receive friend requests, correspondence, or message requests from people you aren't familiar with. Treat online conversations the same as real-life ones. While it’s okay to interact with new people and make more friends, you should be cautious and look out for catfishing signs discussed above.
5. Ask questions that require specific knowledge
If you suspect that someone is catfishing, ask them questions that only people with their reported background would know. You can ask about malls and restaurants from where they claim to come from or something particular about what they do. If they're hesitant or try to avoid your questions, be wary of them.
6. Use reverse image search to identify fake profile photos
Social media is full of fake images and profiles. If you’re suspicious of the person you’re chatting with online, consider using a reverse image search to identify fake images. This tool also allows you to confirm a photo’s authenticity by looking at similar images and the original version of the photo.
7.Try to get them into a video call
One of the fastest ways to detect if somebody is catfishing you is to ask them for a quick video call. Excuses like 'I don't have a camera' are clear red flags in the age of frequent online meetings, says Caleb Riutta, Co-Founder ofDUSK Digital.
Endnote
Falling into a catfishing trap can lead to financial losses, heartbreak, misuse of your data, and more. Use the above tips to protect yourself from potential catfish who are looming large on the internet in search for your precious information or money.
As a cybersecurity expert with a profound understanding of online threats, I bring to light the intricate world of catfishing discussed in the provided article dated February 11, 2022. My extensive knowledge in the field allows me to elucidate the nuances of catfishing, the motives behind such activities, and, most crucially, the measures one can take to safeguard against potential cyber threats.
The article rightly asserts that cybersecurity is a complex and ever-evolving subject. It is imperative for individuals to stay informed about the latest threats, and catfishing is one such deceptive practice that has gained prominence in recent years. Catfishing involves the creation of a false identity on the internet using fabricated information and images. The motives behind catfishing can vary from personal insecurities and mental instability to more malicious intentions such as perpetrating fraud or engaging in cybersecurity scams.
The article accurately points out that not all catfish pose cybersecurity threats; however, the potential risks are substantial. Catfish can exploit unsuspecting targets, extracting sensitive information that can be used for financial gains or even more sophisticated cyber-attacks, including ransomware.
To protect oneself from catfishing, the article suggests several proactive measures:
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Conduct a Background Check: Utilize services like Information.com and Instant Checkmate to perform name searches or online background checks. This can help verify an individual's claims by confirming details such as workplace, location, and social connections.
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Recognize Signs of Being Catfished: Be vigilant for signs such as a detailed yet targeted profile, reluctance to voice or video calls, avoidance of in-person meet-ups, and requests for money.
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Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Refrain from oversharing personal information, especially with strangers online. Be cautious if someone you've just met requests sensitive data or passwords under the pretext of an emergency.
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Exercise Caution with Unknown Contacts: Be skeptical of friend requests or messages from unfamiliar individuals. Treat online interactions similarly to real-life encounters and be mindful of the signs of catfishing.
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Ask Specific Knowledge-based Questions: If suspicions arise, ask questions that only someone with the reported background would know. Hesitation or evasion in response to such inquiries is a red flag.
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Use Reverse Image Search: Combat fake profiles and images by employing reverse image searches to verify the authenticity of profile pictures.
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Initiate Video Calls: Requesting a video call is a rapid method to detect potential catfishing. Excuses like the lack of a camera should be treated as red flags in the age of frequent online meetings.
In conclusion, falling prey to a catfishing trap can have severe consequences, including financial losses and data misuse. By adhering to the outlined tips, individuals can fortify their defenses against catfish prowling on the internet, safeguarding their valuable information and assets.
