Phishing is a form of online fraud intended to steal money from bank accounts or electronic

payment systems.

It may also be used to obtain personal data, usernames and passwords. The personal information

collected in this way can subsequently be used in other criminal schemes and to gain

unauthorised access to information, online resources and funds.

In essence, phishing involves creating copies of well-known legitimate websites and social

media platforms on which users are encouraged to enter personal and payment information.

Another common phishing method is the distribution of messages and emails containing links

that cause malicious software to be downloaded onto a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Protection against phishing requires greater awareness among both Internet users and website

owners. Users can be protected through the timely detection of unauthorised use of a brand and

prompt action to shut down fraudulent websites. This requires a combination of specialised

software and legal enforcement measures.

GIPSECURITY is a LegalTech software solution for lawyers. We use modern technologies to

combat phishing and fraud and to pursue claims for compensation for the resulting damage. Our

services are provided by experienced specialists, ensuring a high level of effectiveness. We know

the most efficient ways to protect brands.

Types of Phishing

According to analytical agencies, the following phishing methods are particularly common in

Russia:

Copies of Social Media Platforms

Fraudsters exploit vulnerabilities in Facebook, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki and other platforms to

intercept user activity and obtain access to private correspondence, personal data and payment

information.

ICOs and Cryptocurrencies

Due to the popularity of initial coin offerings, fraudsters create copies of websites used for

making initial investments in tokens and unlawfully obtain money from unsuspecting users.

Fraudulent GDPR Compliance Services

Following changes to EU data protection rules, fraudsters offer to install scripts and third-party

software allegedly intended to bring websites into compliance with GDPR requirements. In

reality, such software may result in the disclosure or theft of users' personal data.

Political Spam

This method of distributing malicious links and software becomes particularly common during

election periods. Fraudsters publish links presented as public opinion surveys and use them to

collect personal information.

Email Campaigns

Email remains a common channel for distributing malware that infects users' computers with

viruses, cryptocurrency miners, worms and other malicious software.

Why Phishing Must Be Combated

Protection against phishing not only reduces the number of victims and improves users' digital

security. Timely action against the unauthorised use of a brand in Russia and abroad also helps

preserve the reputation of a company or its products and maintain consumer trust.

Promptly seeking professional assistance with intellectual property protection can help prevent

the creation of phishing pages using your brands and minimise the damage caused by fraudulent

activities.

For advice on protection against phishing or to engage our services, please contact the specialists

of our firm.

GIPSECURITY is a modern LegalTech solution that helps address such tasks as:

• Brand monitoring

• Monitoring of the counterfeit goods market

• Online intellectual property protection

• Online brand protection

• Combating illegal sellers

• Online reputation protection

• Conducting test purchases

• Comprehensive online brand protection services

18 October 2019

Updated: 18 October 2020