Understanding Phishing Emails | Protecting Personal Data

Due to a rising number of security breach incidents and data breaches that impact millions of Americans, the U.S. government and consumer safety organizations are urging individuals and companies to educate themselves on the basics of personal and work network security. Understanding how phishing emails and cyberattacks work is a good start.

In recent years, ransomware and phishing attacks have been the weapons of choice for cybercriminals, and in successful data breach incidents, hackers can harvest a load of valuable personal information.

Why Do Hackers Use Phishing Emails?

Phishing emails remain one of the most widespread and damaging cyberthreats today, targeting individuals and businesses. These fraudulent messages are designed to trick recipients into disclosing sensitive personal information or granting unauthorized access to private accounts. Phishing schemes have been around a while but their sophistication has grown dramatically. Some common phishing email scams may include:

• Account Deactivation: common phishing emails alert an individual that their account will be deactivated unless they take action and send certain personal information or credit card numbers
• Compromised Credit Card: a similar phishing email alerts a consumer that their card has been used fraudulently and asks an individual to confirm their credit card details to protect their account
• Transfer of Funds: emails are masked as from an employer (sometimes a superior) and may ask an individual to urgently send a wire to a vendor
• Social Media Request: in other scams, a friend of a friend requests to follow, and begins to send media packed with malware that may seep into the company’s network

Joe Lyon is a data privacy attorney investigating data breach incidents and is actively filing class action data breach lawsuits on behalf of plaintiffs nationwide. If a company fails to properly protect your personal information, and data is stolen, you may have an invasion of privacy claim.

How Phishing Emails Work

Even the most cautious consumer can fall victim, particularly as phishing emails increasingly use AI-driven personalization and social engineering techniques. Cybercriminals can use a creative mix of personal data to create a profile bold enough to create opportunities for fraud and identity theft. In phishing emails, hackers typically ask for the following:

• Date of birth
• Social security numbers
• Phone numbers
• Credit card numbers
• Home address
• Passwords

Legal Implications of Phishing Attacks

If you believe your data was exposed through a phishing email, especially one linked to a corporate or institutional breach, you may have grounds for legal action. A data privacy attorney at The Lyon Firm can evaluate your case, determine whether a company failed to uphold its duty to protect your information, and pursue compensation.

Victims of phishing schemes may have legal recourse if their privacy was compromised due to negligence by a company, employer, or service provider. For example, if a business stores customer data but fails to implement proper safeguards, and attackers exploit phishing emails to access that information, victims may pursue claims.

Class action lawsuits are becoming increasingly common after large-scale phishing-related data breaches. Courts are recognizing that consumers have a right to compensation when businesses fail to protect sensitive information.

To learn more about recent security breach incidents and to join current class action privacy lawsuits, contact The Lyon Firm. Call for a free and confidential consultation.