What is phishing?
Understanding and preventing phishing attacks
Phishing is an online attack in which perpetrators try to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data. These attacks take place via email, phone, text messages or social media. In this article, we will explore how phishing works, give examples of common phishing attacks, and discuss what to do if you notice an attempt.
How does it work?
Phishing attackers will first come up with a false excuse to contact you. For example, they may send emails that appear to come from well-known companies, such as banks, online services or social media platforms. These emails often contain urgent or threatening messages urging victims to take immediate action, such as clicking on a link or entering personal details.
The links in these emails often lead to fake websites that are almost identical to legitimate ones. Once the victim enters his or her data on these websites, they are intercepted by the attackers.
STIB/MIVB official channels
Nowadays, it is crucial to be on guard against phishing attempts. To avoid personal data falling into the wrong hands, you need to be able to recognise our official communication channels. Here are the official channels where you can safely receive and share information with STIB-MIVB:
Social media:
- Facebook: Follow STIB and MIVB for updates and news.
- X: @STIBMIVB shares important travel information and updates.
- LinkedIn: For professional updates, follow STIB-MIVB.
- YouTube: STIBMIVB features visual updates and information.
- Instagram: Stay in touch via STIB and MIVB.
- Floya: A new brand focusing on multimodality. Follow Floya on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Blog: STIBstories/MIVBstories: for behind-the-scenes news.
Official Websites and Newsletters:
- Newsletter subscription
- Website: STIB-MIVB
- Landing Pages: For specific campaigns, such as the monthly season ticket.
- For emails: @stib-mivb.brussels, @stib.brussels and @mivb.brussels
App: Google Play Store and Apple App Store links provide direct access to the STIB-MIVB app for secure download.
B2B Information: for corporate solutions and partnerships, there are specific landing pages such as the third-party payment system page.
Official communication will always go through these channels. Phishing attempts may occur as messages coming from outside these official sources. Be vigilant and check URLs carefully. When in doubt, contact us.
What should you do?
Everyone receives suspicious messages from time to time. But together we can outsmart scammers.
- Do not click on links or attachments in messages
- Never share personal codes or passwords
- Forward the message to suspect@safeonweb.be (for text messages, a screenshot is enough)
- Delete the message