According to PhoneixNAP, “In 2024, data breach costs rise to $4.88 million, representing a 9.2% rise over the previous year.“
Source: PhoneixNAP
Data breaches are rising due to cyberattacks like pharming and phishing, which lead to data breaches by tricking users into providing sensitive information. These breaches and attacks not only breach data but also exploit the networks and systems. But how does this process occur, and what is pharming?
In this article, we will discover everything from what is pharming to its preventive measures.
What is Pharming?
Pharming is a cyberattack or scam that involves hackers redirecting users from legitimate websites to spoofed ones. When users click on these bogus websites, their personal information, financial data, and login credentials, such as passwords, account numbers, and security codes, become available to pharmers with no visible clue. Pharmers frequently target financial sector websites, such as banks, online payment platforms, and e-commerce sites, with the ultimate goal of stealing people’s identities.
How Pharming Works?
Hackers can deploy pharming attacks using two main ways:
- Domain name system (DNS) poisoning
- Local host file manipulation (malware-based pharming).
1. DNS Poisoning
DNS poisoning is a serious form of pharming that targets a huge number of victims. DNS converts human-friendly domain names (such as www.dailydigitalgrind.com) into IP addresses that computers can recognize. DNS poisoning happens when an attacker corrupts a legitimate website’s DNS records, causing users to be redirected to a false IP address.
2. Malware-Based Pharming
Another way pharming occurs is through changes to the local host file on a specific user’s device. The host file is a local configuration that maps domain names to IP addresses. Attackers use malware to alter the host file so that specific website requests redirect to a phony site controlled by the attacker.
Pharming Vs Phishing
Pharming is frequently confused with phishing; however, it’s important to recognize the differences:
Phishing: Phishing is the practice of deceiving users into clicking on bogus links, which are often distributed via email or text, by impersonating them from any authorized source. It leads you to any bogus website, but you have to enter the information that gives access to your data.
Pharming: Pharming uses network settings to automatically redirect users, even if they enter an appropriate URL. Hackers first enter a malicious code into your device and then redirect you to a fake website. This makes pharming more difficult to detect and frequently more hazardous.
Signs to Identify If You Are a Pharming Victim
Signs that say you are a pharming victim.
- The passwords of all your private accounts are changed.
- Your PayPal, debit, and credit card charges that you never made.
- New programs and apps detected in your device that you didn’t download.
- Unrecognized posts, excessive follow requests, and messages on your social media.
How to Respond If You Fallen Victim of Pharming
You can respond by following the below steps to minimize your loss.
- Firstly, you need to clear the DNS cache.
- Disconnect the internet to stop data flow.
- Run an antivirus scan and secure your device by removing malware.
- If you feel your server is compromised, contact the ISP.
- Change all affected passwords on a secure device.
- Notify your bank or relevant services.
How to Protect from Pharming: Decode 7 Ways
Check out the preventative measures to protect yourself from pharming attacks.
1. Choose a reputable internet service provider (ISP)
Trusted internet service providers (ISPs) block out fraudulent redirects, preventing you from accessing phishing websites. Remember that your major concern is security, not low-cost providers with fast connections.
2. Use a Reliable Antivirus and Antimalware Solution
Reliable antivirus and antimalware software detects changes in your device’s local host file but also flags malicious behavior. It also blocks unusual or suspicious activity and malware. It should also be able to update to stay up with the ever-changing cybersecurity threat landscape and ensure a company remains safe from new pharming attack vectors.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication provides an extra degree of security and is required to keep your credentials secure. This is now available on all platforms since it is tough for hackers to break. Even if fraudsters gain your log-in information via pharming, they will be unable to access your account.
4. Use a VPN for Added Security
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet connection, making it more difficult for attackers to intercept or divert your web activity. VPNs that employ solid DNS providers also shield users against pharming attempts aiming at DNS spoofing
5. Check DNS Settings Regularly
Switching from an ISP to a DNS server is a wise decision because it provides increased security against DNS poisoning or spoofing. Organizations might benefit from having a professional IT team monitor DNS settings and traffic to detect suspicious changes early. Individual users should also check their device’s DNS settings regularly to guarantee they haven’t changed.
6. Only follow links that begin with HTTPS
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, and “S” represents “secure,” indicating that the site has certified security. It means an attacker cannot intercept website traffic because it is encrypted. Once visiting the site, look for the padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates that the site is safe.
7. Check URLs for typos.
If you notice any typos in the URL, avoid such websites on the first go. Pharmers often swap and switch letters to disguise their website URLs and deceive visitors, which leads to spelling mistakes.
Final Talk!
Pharming is a dangerous cyberattack that leaves no evidence while exploiting. We need to understand that each cyberattack causes vulnerabilities and gives rise to the hacking industry. Anytime you fall victim to these cyberattacks, only prevention measures can keep you safe. Guides like “What is pharming and protecting ways” are not just read but a security code to protect you from mishaps.
Never ignore warning signs and perform actionable steps immediately!
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