Signs You’re on a Hacked Website

In the digital age, we’ve become more connected than ever, but with that connectivity comes a hidden danger: phishing scams. These online frauds are designed to trick you into revealing your passwords and financial data, and they’re lurking in every corner of the internet. The good news is that you can protect yourself by learning how to spot fake websites. In this article, we’ll explore where these fraudulent sites are hosted and provide you with tips to identify them.

Where Do Phishing Sites Hide?

Phishing websites come in various forms, from imitating popular online stores to mimicking banks and delivery services. Scammers go to great lengths to lure victims through phishing emails, messenger chats, and even paid ads. But, the question is, where do they host these fraudulent pages?

One common tactic is to create fake websites with names that closely resemble legitimate ones, such as “netflik.com” instead of “netflix.com.” However, creating and maintaining such sites can be costly and risky. That’s why many cybercriminals take a different route: they hack legitimate websites and set up their own subsections to host phishing pages. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often fall prey to these hacks because they lack the resources to monitor and update their websites consistently. Sometimes, these hacks go unnoticed for years, giving cybercriminals ample time to operate.

One popular platform for hosting these fraudulent pages is WordPress, with tens of thousands of hacked sites. But don’t worry, once you know what to look for, spotting these sites becomes easier.

Signs of Fakery: How to Spot Phishing Websites

1. Mismatched Site Name and Address: When you click on a link, whether from an email, social media post, or an ad, pay attention to the URL of the website. If it’s a hacked site, you’ll notice a significant mismatch between the site name and the domain. For example, if you’re looking for Netflix, but the URL reads “www.medical-helpers24.dmn/wp-admin/js/js/Netflix/home/login.php,” it’s a clear sign of phishing.
2. Directory Path Elements: Look at the tail of the URL after the domain name. Hacked subsections are usually buried within WordPress service directories and may contain elements like “/wp-content/,” “/wp-admin/,” or “/wp-includes/.” If you spot such elements in the URL, be cautious.
3. Different Subject: If the site name seems unfamiliar or suspicious, visit the homepage by removing the URL tail and keeping only the domain name. The genuine owner’s page will likely be entirely different in terms of subject and design.
4. Personal Data Pre-filled: Some phishing sites may correctly pre-fill certain information fields, like your email address or bank card number, indicating that the attackers have stolen personal data. If you see your real card number on a fake site, have the card reissued immediately and strengthen your security measures.

Expert Advice:

Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, emphasizes the importance of recognizing deceptive websites: “Not everything online should be trusted. There are plenty of websites that exist to harm us—either to steal our money or worse, to steal our identity. Knowing how to spot deceptive websites is one way for us to protect ourselves from cybercriminals.”

How to Guard Against Phishing:

• Stay Vigilant: Check every link you click on and verify its authenticity.
• Hover or Tap and Hold: Hover over links on your computer to see the URL they lead to or tap and hold links on your phone to reveal the URL.
• Use Bookmarks: Access important websites like your bank or email server through bookmarks or by manually typing the address, avoiding email links.

In an age where digital threats loom large, securing your online presence is paramount. By arming yourself with the knowledge to recognize phishing scams, you can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, safeguarding your personal data from the hands of cybercriminals. Remember, the key to online safety is staying informed and staying alert. (MCN)