Phishing is one of the most widespread cyberattacks. And also one of the most effective: every day, thousands of people click on fake links, enter their credentials, or download malicious attachments… without even realizing it.
The good news ? You can protect yourself from phishing effectively, without spending a cent. All it takes is knowing the right habits, and applying them every day.
1. Learn to recognize phishing attempts
The first line of defense against phishing is you. And it starts with a bit of awareness.
Here are some common signs of a fraudulent message:
- A strange or misspelled email address
- An urgent tone: “Your account will be suspended”, “Immediate action required”
- A clickable link that leads to a suspicious website
- An unexpected attachment
- Typos or poor formatting
Tip: Hover your mouse over the link without clicking. You’ll see the actual URL. If it doesn’t match the official website, steer clear.
2. Always verify the sender… and the context
Got an email from a service you don’t use? An invoice from a company you’ve never heard of? A message from a “friend” that feels off?
In 90% of cases, it’s phishing.
Ask yourself these simple questions:
- Was I expecting this message?
- Is the sender’s address legitimate?
- Does the tone match the person or company?
When in doubt, don’t click anything. Instead, go directly to the official website, or contact the sender through another channel.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (MFA)
Even if you fall for a fake site, all is not lost. The best way to prevent account compromise is enabling two-factor authentication.
It’s free, and available on:
- Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- E-commerce and online service platforms
It adds an extra verification step: a code via SMS or an app like Google Authenticator.
A hacker with just your password won’t be able to go further.
4. Keep your devices updated
An up-to-date system = fewer exploitable flaws.
Whether it’s your computer, your phone, or your browser, remember to:
- Install updates as soon as they’re available
- Use antivirus software (even a free one)
- Remove apps you no longer use
Updates often contain invisible but critical security patches.
5. Use filtering DNS to block malicious sites
A lesser-known but highly effective tip: change the DNS settings on your internet box to use a service that automatically blocks phishing websites.
For example, DNS4EU is a free, European solution that you can easily configure at home.
Ariovis has written clear, operator-specific guides:
- Install DNS4EU on a Freebox
- Install DNS4EU on a SFR
- Install DNS4EU on a Bbox
- Install DNS4EU on a Livebox
With this setup, even if you click on a fraudulent link, the website will be blocked automatically.
In summary: you can take action today
Protecting yourself from phishing doesn’t require money or technical skills — just some attention and a few simple settings:
- Spot suspicious signs
- Check senders and URLs
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Keep your devices up to date
- dangerous
Want to go further? Follow Ariovis on Instagram
Want to learn how to spot scams, recognize fake messages, secure your accounts, and educate those around you?
We regularly post practical, visual tips on Instagram — accessible to everyone, even younger users.
Follow us at: ariovis_officiel
One tip at a time, helping you stay safer online.