Hi everyone,

It’s me - the Cybersecurity Pigeon!

Today, we’re talking about something called phishing. No, not fishing with a rod and bait (although, as a pigeon, I wouldn’t mind a nice fish from time to time. Yes! I eat fish too, why so surprised? I eat all kinds of things, I am a pigeon....🙄).

But this isn’t about food; it’s about something far more imporant.

Phishing - with a "P" - is when scammers try to "fish" for your personal information, like your passwords, bank details, or other sensitive data. They pretend to be someone you trust, like a bank, professor, or even a friend, to trick you into giving up your information.

Phishing can show up in many forms: fake emails, suspicious text messages, or even calls that seem real. The messages often try to make you feel panicked or excited, saying things like:

• "Your account has been hacked! Click here to fix it!"

• "Congratulations! You’ve won a gift card - just enter your details to claim it!"

Sounds familiar? Have you ever had this experience? Scary isn't it?

Here are my top tips to recognise and avoid phishing scams:

1. Check the sender's email address. Scammers often use fake addresses that look real but are slightly off. Look closely!

2. Look for spelling mistakes or weird grammar. Legit messages from companies or people you trust usually won’t have errors.

3. Watch out for urgency or threats. If the message makes you feel rushed, stop and think. Scammers want you to act without questioning.

4. When in doubt, verify. Contact the company or person directly through a trusted source - not the message you received.

Phishing might sound scary, but with a little awareness, you can stay one step ahead of scammers. Remember, even a clever pigeon like me can get tricked if I’m not paying attention. But together, we can keep your online nest safe!

So, don’t take the bait. Stay smart, stay secure, and stay one step ahead of phishing!