Information security is an increasingly relevant topic for clinical laboratories that handle sensitive data daily. Among the most common digital threats is phishing, a fraud technique that aims to obtain personal and financial data using social engineering and technical means.
In this article, we’ll explain what phishing is, how to identify it, and best practices for protecting your lab from this type of scam.
What is Phishing?
Phishing occurs when scammers impersonate well-known institutions, such as banks, companies, or popular services, to trick users into obtaining sensitive information. Phishing messages typically:
- They appear to be official communications from a trusted institution;
- They promise benefits or warn about potential problems to get your attention;
- They ask you to click on links or provide personal information, such as your login, password, or bank details.
These messages can be sent via email, SMS, or social media, and scammers use fake pages, malicious code, and fraudulent forms to capture victims’ data.
Common Examples of Phishing Scams
- Fake e-commerce or online banking pages : An email takes you to a fake website that imitates a financial service or online store, asking for login information and banking details.
- Social networks or airlines : Fraudulent links redirect to pages that capture access credentials to your accounts.
- Messages containing forms : Forms sent by email ask for data such as CPF, credit card number and other confidential information.
- Links to malicious code : Messages encourage the download of files that, when executed, install malware on the victim’s device.
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
Preventing phishing requires extra attention and some simple practices that can be applied in the laboratory’s daily routine:
- Be careful with links : Always type the address directly into the browser, instead of clicking on links in messages.
- Check the sender : Be wary of messages that call for urgency or request confidential information.
- Review security certificates : Trusted sites use secure connections (https) and present legitimate certificates.
- Use security tools : Antimalware programs, firewalls, and antiphishing filters help identify threats.
- Educate your team : Provide training so everyone recognizes phishing attempts and knows what to do.
The Importance of Investing in Information Security
Phishing isn’t just a problem for individuals; it can compromise the security of the entire laboratory operation. Leaked data can cause financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal issues. Therefore, having robust systems and a well-defined security policy is essential.
At TM Tecnologia, we prioritize security in our laboratory solutions. Our systems, such as LISNET , TM INTERFACE , and LIS ANALYTICS , are designed to protect sensitive information, integrating cutting-edge technology and specialized support.
Stay Updated and Protected
Staying informed about the most common threats and implementing good security practices are essential steps to protecting your laboratory. Count on TM Tecnologia to ensure operational efficiency and security across all your operations.
Source: Internet Safety Handbook nic.br cgi.br
