Phishing has developed into a constant phenomenon in Greece, with fraudsters sending convincing messages similar to banks or other operators. Digital Governance Minister Dimitris Papastergiou confirms that spoofing has been partially limited, but new methods are constantly appearing. The National Cybersecurity Authority emphasises that no organisation requests sensitive data through SMS or email. Citizens are advised to face suspicious urgent messages, avoid unknown links and activate double identity confirmation for protection.
Analyticalally:
Phishing... message on mobile which appears to come from the bank, a notice about «suspected activity», a link that promises immediate resolution. Or a phone call from «representative» requesting confirmation of evidence. From someone who represents the accounting office you work with. Within a few minutes, if someone is not careful, they can face empty accounts.
All these are familiar in Greece. Phishing is no longer a sporadic internet scam. In Greek reality it has turned into a constant, evolving phenomenon that follows the digital everyday life of citizens.
SMS, Viber, emails, even phone calls compose a grid of attacks that is less based on technology and more on psychology.
«Pat» on the rush, insecurity and our tendency to trust what seems institutional. It uses instant pressure, uncertainty and easy acceptance of a source that looks reliable. And in the end we regret all those moves we made on our panic.
Messages no longer have obvious errors
The Minister of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, Dimitris Papastergiou, according to the RES, admits that the problem is complex and constantly changing. As he notes, systematic work is being done with mobile operators and already limited to a certain extent the spoofing — practice in which crooks appear with false, but seemingly reliable number, often simulating banking lines.
However, as he points out, new tools and new ones «centres» sending such messages are constantly appearing, making it a constant battle.
In practice, attacks have become more targeted and more «well-worked». Messages no longer have obvious errors, use the right language and often incorporate elements that look completely plausible. The fake bank websites are almost identical to the real ones, while the scenarios used (blocked accounts, tax returns, etc.) step on daily needs and fears of citizens.
What concerns the authorities in particular is that the victims no longer belong only to vulnerable groups. As noted, even younger or educated users fall victim, precisely because attacks have become more convincing and less convincing «rough» than in the past.
Despite efforts to technically limit the phenomenon, such as excluding uncertified messaging centres, the reality is that there is no definitive solution. Phishing is constantly adapted, following technology and exploiting every new channel of communication.
The recommendation by the National Cybersecurity Authority
In the same context, the National Cybersecurity Authority has repeatedly pointed out that phishing and spoofing attacks are based mainly on the falsification of reliable operators and the misleading of the user through seemingly «valid» messages. As he points out, citizens should be particularly careful in messages containing links or requesting immediate action, as they often lead to false websites or aim at installing malicious software.
The Authority points out that no organisation requests sensitive personal or banking data through SMS, email or telephone calls, and draws attention to the fact that even the emergence of a «valid» a consignor or number is not a guarantee of reliability.
For this reason, it recommends cross-checking all suspected communication through official channels, avoiding opening links from unknown sources and general cultivation of digital alertness as a basic line of defense against such attacks.
What citizens can do
Within this digital environment, protection depends not only on systems, but also on the reflexes of users themselves. There are some basic rules that, if respected, can significantly reduce the risk:
– Treat with suspicion any message that asks for immediate energy or creates a sense of pressure. The rush is the key «tool» The crooks.
– Do not open links from SMS, Viber or email if they are not absolutely sure about the sender.
– Never register personal codes or bank card details after such notifications. No bank asks for that data that way.
– Carefully check the website address — Many times the difference from the original is minimal, but crucial.
– Interrupt phone calls asking for sensitive information and calling the official number of the organisation themselves.
– Turn on the double identity confirmation where there is, adding an additional level of security.
– Keep their devices and applications up to date, as many incidents exploit earlier «empty» Security.
The treatment of phishing in Greece resembles a race without a clear finish line. On the one hand, the state and the providers attempt to limit «Gates» Fraud. On the other hand, the cunning evolve at the same - if not higher - speed.
That is why citizens must be careful. Here. «question» what they see for a few seconds and think twice and three times before pressing a link or giving personal information. In the digital world everything seems real. Every day and more. But it's not...
