Phishing: The Classic Cyberattack That Never Goes Out of Style

The hidden price of “free” in the digital age

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Our environment is full of applications and online services that claim to be free: social networks, messaging platforms, editing tools, video games and more. But have you ever reflected on the true price of these “presents”?

Although we don't make cash payments, we do use a more valuable resource: our personal information.

Name, email, location, passwords, even bank information in certain situations. All of this is transformed into a constant change in the digital world. And that currency, incorrectly managed or distributed without knowledge, is the favorite food of a former acquaintance of cybercrime: phishing.

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Why are we still falling for phishing in 2025?

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The false security of free apps

We accept the unread conditions and terms, we grant access to our images, contacts and microphone with a single click. It seems insignificant to us, even innocuous. However, each information we provide generates specific digital profiles that can be used for commercial... or criminal purposes.

The drawback is that many users are unaware of what they actually provide. And once information is released online, it's virtually impossible to recover or delete it.

What happens when you lose control of your information?

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1. Identity Theft

One of the most common repercussions is the fraudulent use of your personal information. Cybercriminals have the ability to set up bank accounts, order credit cards, or carry out other scams on your behalf. The outcome: financial and legal difficulties that are difficult to solve.

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2. Digital Harassment and Extortion

Private images, personal messages or sensitive data can be used to blackmail you. Not only is it emotionally unsettling, but it can also seriously harm your personal or work prestige.

Phishing: the attack that never dies

Phishing is a method of social engineering that has undergone an evolution, but it hasn't stopped. In fact, it remains the tactic most used by cybercriminals globally.

Why is it still so effective? Generic, fault-ridden emails are no longer sent. Today, thanks to the information we provide ourselves, phishing messages have occurred:

• The image of banks, online merchants and well-known platforms is similar to perfection.

• They incorporate authentic personal information, giving them credibility and urgency.

• They spread through various means: email, text messages, WhatsApp, social networks, and others.

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How to protect yourself from phishing in a hyperconnected world?

Key recommendations:

• Don't share personal information unnecessarily. Evaluate what data an app actually requires to work.

• Always check the sender. For urgent or suspicious messages, contact the entity directly from its official website.

• Activate two-step authentication (2FA/MFA) whenever possible.

• Don't download attachments or click on unverified links.

• Invest in cybersecurity training, both personally and organizationally.

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There are no free apps, only invisible payments

As grandma used to say: “There are no hard people in exchange for four pesetas”. And in the digital world, that translates into understanding that personal information is worth more than any monthly fee.

As long as we continue to hand over our data in exchange for seemingly free services, we will continue to be easy targets for phishing and other types of online fraud.

Would you like to know if your organization is exposed to phishing? At Apollo Cybersecurity, we can help. Contact us to request a risk analysis and access solutions such as:

• Custom phishing drills

• Training for employees

• SOC as a Service with real-time threat detection

Request more information or write to us at info@apolocybersecurity.com

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